Numbers in typography: choose figures for the reading task
Compare lining, oldstyle, proportional, and tabular figures, then select supported number features for readable tables, running prose, display prices, and reference labels.
Start with what readers compare
Numbers appear in different reading situations. A table invites vertical comparison, a date sits within prose, a large price acts as a display element, and a reference code needs exact character recognition. These tasks can benefit from different figure styles within a type family.
Set representative values before choosing. Include a short value, a long value, repeated digits, decimals, and any symbols the project requires. A sample containing only 12345 cannot reveal every spacing or alignment problem. Keep the actual units and punctuation, since they are part of how the information is understood.
Compare figure designs
Lining figures generally share a more uniform height relationship, while oldstyle figures have varied heights and may extend above or below the main lowercase region. Either can be appropriate depending on the face and context. Compare their texture within the actual paragraph or label rather than assigning one style a universal quality ranking.
Proportional figures use widths suited to individual digits. Tabular figures use equal advance widths so digits can align in columns. The exact features available depend on the font. Check the family rather than assuming a numeric feature switch will create a design the file does not contain.
Build tables with clear alignment
For a numerical table, use supported tabular figures when equal digit widths help comparison. Align decimal values according to the task and label the units clearly. Do not align columns with repeated spaces, which can behave unpredictably when fonts or content change. Use the document's table or layout controls.
Keep visual emphasis proportional to importance. If every total and intermediate value is bold, the reader cannot quickly distinguish the result. Use rules, spacing, and labels sparingly. A calm table can reveal differences more effectively than a collection of colored cells whose meanings are not explained.
Check display and reference cases
A large price or year may need optical spacing even when the chosen figures work well in text. A reference code may need a face that clearly distinguishes zero, capital O, one, and similar letters. Test the exact strings rather than relying on a general impression of the font.
Inspect exported files to confirm the intended number features survived. A missing font or unsupported setting may change widths and disrupt alignment. Keep a specimen containing the approved prose, table, and label treatments. This documents the role-based choice and helps future editors avoid using one figure style indiscriminately everywhere.
Try it yourself
- Test real values, symbols, decimals, and reference strings.
- Confirm the chosen font supports the intended figure features.
- Use proper layout controls and inspect exported alignment.
Worked example: a materials comparison table
Make a fictional table listing paper sizes, sheet counts, and illustrative prices. Use tabular figures where they help the columns compare, and align decimal prices consistently with their currency labels. Set a short explanatory paragraph beneath it and compare a proportional figure treatment there. Add an object code containing O and zero to test recognition. If the code remains ambiguous, change its type treatment or labeling rather than expecting table alignment settings to solve a character-shape problem.
References & further reading
Examples and exercises in this guide are original teaching scenarios.
