Word "space" unit value in fonts—a formula of sorts?

Alex Kaczun

Just curious... I usually determine the proper 'unit' for a 'word space' in my fonts visually, depending on the font design characteristics. But, I was wondering if anyone uses some sort of formula to determine this instead. I've heard some say that they use the narrowest letter, usually the "i" to determine the "space" unit value. Others may use the "period" unit value for the "space". Half the "figure" width. That sort of thing. And, I would be curious to hear if anyone decreases the "space" width value as the weight of the font(s) progresses.

James Montalbano

It's all visual to me. But I do tend to make fairly narrow space characters. After consulting at U&lc in the early days of Mac typesetting I became aware that the type experts there were constantly asking for 65-80% for the default space in their H&J settings. That and seeing Charles Nix spec 45-60% default spacing made me a narrow space devotee.

It may have changed but all of that early digital type had word space set up using the old metal formula of a 3em space for the word space. 300 of 1000 units is just too wide to me.

Craig Eliason

I think I started a similar thread on Typophile a while back, but I can't find it now. In addition to the "i" trick, I recall somebody suggesting the interior span of "n" could also provide a guide. That seems like a potentially more relevant guide than the "i," but neither is better than the "eye."

Alex Kaczun

Yes, James I agree. I've been averaging between 225 and 300 myself. But, then I tend to fit my glyphs more open, so 300 is usually where I'm at. My fonts are spaced a little more open to accommodate text at normal point sizes. You can (-) track for display as needed. I am going tighter, though, as time go on. Tight letter spacing seems to be the trend.

Craig brought up a good point using the 'n' as visual reference. I agree. That's pretty much what you do when you typeset a line of text and determine the word spacing visually based on all the visual cues. It all has to do with the rhythm of the stems, counters and inner-letter spacing throughout. Thanks guys.