#27 Font Size Matters: Making Your Website Easy to Read
Mini-Series: Building an Accessible Website (Even If Tech Isn’t Your Thing)
Let’s talk font size. Specifically, the size of your main body text—the part people read the most on your website. If it’s too small, readers might feel like they need a magnifying glass (or a special eyesight spell) just to get through a paragraph. Not ideal.
Why Font Size Is a Big Deal
Accessibility Rule: Your body text should be at least 16 pixels in size (that’s usually about the same as 12pt in a Word doc).
It may look bigger than what you’re used to from school papers, but websites aren’t printed pages. Screens are harder to read, and visitors shouldn’t have to squint or zoom to find out about your next book.
What Should Be 16px (Or Larger)?
Your Main Paragraph Text
The bulk of your site—your “about me,” book descriptions, blog posts—should all be this size or larger.
Button Fonts
If your call-to-action says “Preorder the Next Book,” make sure it’s readable on all devices.
Navigation Links
Menus and headers need to be large enough to be seen clearly on desktop AND mobile.
What About Headings?
Headings (like section titles) can and probably should be larger—but still need to be clear and consistent. You should use headings to break up your content (more on that in a future post!).
Extra Readability Tips
Choose legible fonts (sans serif fonts like Arial, Verdana, or Atkinson Hyperlegible are easy on the eyes)
Avoid overly decorative fonts for body text—save the flourishes for headings
Test your site on both desktop and mobile
Make sure your line spacing isn’t too tight (give your words room to breathe!)
Need to Do Next:
Check your body text size across your website (aim for 16px or more)
Review your buttons and navigation for font size and clarity
Preview your site on mobile and zoomed-in views
Let’s Discuss!
Have you ever given up on a site because the text was way too small? Or struggled to read a pretty font that wasn’t exactly functional? Share your biggest font pet peeve in the comments.
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