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Figures:Proportional vs. Tabular

Tabular numerals are those where each numeral has the

same total character width (thats the width o the numeral

itsel plus the white space on both sides). Tabular spacing

(also reerred to as monospacing) allows numerals to align

vertically in tables, nancial statements and other columns

o gures. Tabular gures are usually lining gures, meaning

that they sit on the baseline and have the same height as

the capital letters, but on occasion youll see old style

gures that are tabular. (Old style gures are also calledlowercase or non-aligning gures.)

On the other hand, display typeaces usually contain

proportional gures. The total character widths o these

gures are based on the width o the numeral itsel plus a

small amount o white space around it, so an 8 might take

up more width than a 1, or example. Proportional gures

can be o the lining or old style variety. In either case, their

varying widths give them a more even color and texture,

especially around the numeral 1. Proportional gures are

not intended or use in charts and tables, since they wont

align in vertical columns.

When selecting a ont or a project, think about how

youll be using numerals in your design and make sure the

ont you choose oers the style o gures you need. While

its airly simple to kern a tabular 1 to improve its spacing

in a text setting, its nearly impossible to kern proportional

numerals or vertical alignment in a nancial statement.

Have you ever noticed thatthe numeral 1 in most text aces has extra spacearound it? Its most obvious when 1 is set next to other numerals, as in dates and

phone numbers. Ever wonder why this is so? Its because most numerals in text

typeaces are tabular.

volume two, number one sponsored by the type studio

For maximum fexibility, consider using OpenType onts,

which are becoming available rom more and more oundries.

This new ont ormat oten comes with both tabular and

proportional gures in both lining and old style varieties,

but requires using an application that supports this eature.

Upper: proportional fgures dont align vertically and are unsuit-

able or use in tables and charts. Lower: tabular fgures all have

the same width and line up perectly in vertical columns.

A series on

typographic know-how

by Ilene Strizverfy(t)iFOR YOUR(TYPOGRAPHIC)INFORMATION

7/27/2019 Figures, Proportional vs. Tabular

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fy(t)i cont

Upper: Display aces, such as ITC Batak, oer propor-

tional fgures or more even spacing. Lower: UniversCondensed is a text ace with tabular fgures. Notice

the extra space around the 1.

Some OpenType onts include proportional and

tabular versions o both lining and old style

fgures an extremely useul eature.

Ilene Strizver, founder of The Type Studio, is a typographic consultant, designer, writer and specializing in all aspects of typographic communication,

from the aesthetic to the technical. Ilene conducts Gourmet Typography Training internationally. For more information visit www.thetypestudio.com

or contact ilene@thetypestudio.com.