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Character-related factors

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Type width

Type widths, defined as the interior distance between the two stems of the letter »n«, range from condensed to extended. A normal type width is approximately 50% of x-height.

The graphic shows the letter n on a square grid measuring five squares by five squares. The interior distance between the stems is approximately 2.5 squares or 50% of x-height.
(Graphic based on a similar illustration by Jan Filek, 2013)

The smaller counters and apertures found in condensed typefaces make reading more difficult. Extended typefaces take up more space horizontally, reducing the number of letters that can be recognised in one fixation during the reading process, and so create additional difficulties for people with a restricted field of vision. Standard type widths are therefore recommended.

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Type width