The stem is the main stroke, vertical or diagonal, that forms the backbone of a letter. French distinguishes the “fût” from the “hampe”, the vertical stroke that extends beyond the x-height, upward or downward; English uses “stem” for both, and the two terms are often used interchangeably.
Where to see it
The stem is visible on letters such as “i”, “l”, “n” or the capitals “H” and “I”. It also extends on letters such as “b”, “d”, “h” or “k”, where it rises above the x-height, and on “p” or “q”, where it drops below the baseline.
Why this detail matters
The thickness and length of the stem directly shape the color and character of a typeface:
- The thickness of the stem largely defines the weight of a font, from the lightest version to the boldest;
- The contrast between the stem and the thinner strokes of the letter contributes to the style: very pronounced in Didones, almost absent in many sans serifs;
- The length of the stems affects readability and line spacing, by determining the space taken up by ascenders and descenders.
Related term
The ascender is the part of the stem that rises above the x-height, as on “b”, “d” or “h”.
Anatomy glossary
Ascender, Descender, Sidebearing, Joint, Axis, Bar, Beak, Bowl, Loop, Set width, Counter, Serif, Stem, Leg, Minim, Baseline, Eye, Belly, Foot, Point, Tail, Cross stroke, Terminal; X-height, X-height, Cap height, Body; Mean line, Ear, Spur, Ball terminal, Ligature, Apex, Vertex, Arm, Shoulder, Spine, Em dash, Thick stroke, Hairline, Bracket, Bounding box