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Graphic Design vocabulary · Typography

Lining figures

Meaning in graphic design, with examples

nounAdvanced term

In graphic design, lining figures means: Numerals that share a common baseline and approximately uniform height.

In Turkish: hizalı rakamlar

How it is used

Discuss numeral height separately from whether the digits have equal widths.

Example sentences

  1. Use lining figures beside the all-capital heading on the ticket.

    Uniform numeral height gives the numbers a similar silhouette to capitals.

  2. The lining figures look even, but the prices still do not align vertically.

    Matching digit heights alone does not provide equal horizontal spacing.

Common collocations

  • lining figures
  • tabular lining figures
  • baselineThe invisible line on which most letters sit. Letters like ‘g’ and ‘p’ go below it, and leading is measured from one baseline to the next.
  • headlineThe main line of large text at the top of an advert, article, poster or web page, written and designed to catch attention first.

More terms: Typography

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