Section 6 · Typography

Word Spacing

Definition

The amount of space between words, set by the width of the space character and adjustable to suit the typeface and setting.

Why it matters

Word spacing should be just enough to separate words without opening rivers of white space down a paragraph; it is especially critical in justified text, where spaces stretch to fill each line.

Example

Justified body text with too-wide word spacing develops “rivers” — vertical channels of white that pull the eye down the page instead of across it.