UX Tip #12: The optimal text line length for readability

Make your text content easier to read

Pro tip: Make sure your text content is approximately 50-75 characters per line on desktop, and 30-50 characters on mobile for optimal readability.

The ideal text length for a line of copy on desktop is approximately 50-75 characters per line. This optimises readability and allows your users to easily scan the content of a paragraph without getting overwhelmed.

This is backed by research from the Baymard Institute, The Elements of Typographic Style Applied to the Web, as well as the book Typographie by E. Ruder.

What about mobile?

On mobile websites and applications, aim between 30 and 50 characters per line to adjust for the lower amount of screen real estate. This allows you to use a big enough font size, while still ensuring the content is easily readable by your users.

How can I use this?

Use the text line length rule in any part of your website or product that uses long-form content, for example:

• Your website and landing pages

• Content-focused screens of your product, such as product pages or information modals

• Empty states with text content

References

• https://baymard.com/blog/line-length-readability

• http://webtypography.net/toc/