Level 1

A Typographic Foundation:
Level 2
Practical Typography:
Level 3
Numbers, Signs and Symbols:
Numbers
Signs & Symbols
Level 4
Designers and Details:

GLOSSARY
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X
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Proportional vs. Tabular Figures

Figures, be they lining or oldstyle, can have two different spacing formats: proportional and tabular. Generally speaking, proportional
figures are appropriate when numerals are going to be read in text, and tabular figures are preferable when numerals will be read in
columns.
Proportional figures have variable spacing, comparable to that of upper and lowercase characters. This spacing maintains the even,
balanced color of the rest of the alphabet, allowing the figures to blend in nicely with horizontal text. To achieve this, the character
widths of proportional figures will most likely vary from one another (as do most upper and lowercase characters). Thus an 8 will likely

have a greater width than a 1.

The variable widths of the proportional figures (upper) in the Promixa Nova typeface are compared to the uniform width of
the tabular figures (lower).

In contrast, tabular figures each have the same width. This uniform spacing allows them to align vertically in tables, price lists, financial
statements and other columns of figures. Thus the 1 will have the same width as as every other figure, including the 8.

Tabular figures align vertically when set in columns.

When selecting a typeface for a project, consider the numbers as well as the letters. If numerals will appear as part of the text such as
address information in a corporate identity, or quantities and measurements in marketing collateral you will need proportional figures.
For a financial report or other columns of statistics, tabular figures will be needed. Certain projects, such as a brochure or exhibition
graphics, may well require both formats. Keep these numerical needs in mind during your typeface exploration. It is adviseable to avoid
using tabular figures when proportional figures are whats called for. Attempting to kern tabular figures on a case-by-case basis is
laborious. Similarly, its close to impossible to kern proportional figures to create the appearance of tabular spacing necessary for
vertical alignment in a financial statement. Tabular figures accomplish this in a consistent and clear manner.

Proportional figures either lining or oldstyle are best used for text settings, as their
spacing matches the surrounding characters (upper two). Using tabular figures in
running text can produce uneven spacing that will disturb the overall color of the
setting (lower two).

Many typefaces especially those intended for text usage offer both proportional and tabular figures. To achieve typographically
professional results, choose your figure styles carefully and with purpose.
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Editors Note:Ilene Strizver, founder of The Type Studio, is a typographic consultant, designer and writer specializing in all
aspects of typographic communication. She conducts Gourmet Typography workshops internationally. Read more about
typography in her latest literary effort, Type Rules! The designer's guide to professional typography, 4th edition, published by
Wiley & Sons, Inc. This article was commissioned and approved by Monotype Imaging Inc.
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