Why is line-height typically set to around 1.4–1.6 for body text?

Why is line-height typically set to around 1.4–1.6 for body text?

• A. Increases the font size to improve readability.
• B. Decreases line height to save space.
• C. Improves readability and vertical rhythm.
• D. Changes the font family.

Answer: (C)

Line height controls the vertical space between the baselines of successive lines of text. For body text, a unitless value around 1.4–1.6 multiplies the font size to create comfortable breathing room—roughly 40–60% additional space. This extra space helps accommodate tall letters and diacritics, prevents lines from crowding each other at line breaks, and establishes a steady vertical rhythm that your eyes can follow as you read. The result is better readability, especially in longer passages, and a more harmonious overall layout. If the line height were made too small, lines would feel cramped and harder to read; if it were made too large, the text could seem disjointed and waste space. This setting targets spacing between lines, not font size or font family, which is why it’s about readability and rhythm rather than changing the type itself.

Line height controls the vertical space between the baselines of successive lines of text. For body text, a unitless value around 1.4–1.6 multiplies the font size to create comfortable breathing room—roughly 40–60% additional space. This extra space helps accommodate tall letters and diacritics, prevents lines from crowding each other at line breaks, and establishes a steady vertical rhythm that your eyes can follow as you read. The result is better readability, especially in longer passages, and a more harmonious overall layout.

If the line height were made too small, lines would feel cramped and harder to read; if it were made too large, the text could seem disjointed and waste space. This setting targets spacing between lines, not font size or font family, which is why it’s about readability and rhythm rather than changing the type itself.