Typography on the web requires careful consideration beyond simply selecting visually appealing fonts. One crucial aspect is how numbers are presented. Numbers can influence the perception of a design, especially in creating a polished, professional appearance.
In this post, we’ll explore what font-variant-numeric is, why it matters, and how you can use it with examples.
What is font-variant-numeric?
The font-variant-numeric CSS property allows web designers to control how numbers and related punctuation are rendered in their typography. This property is particularly effective when working with OpenType fonts, which offer various numeral styles. Here’s a breakdown of its functionalities:
Usage of font-variant-numeric
- Improve readability and legibility of numeric data.
- Match the aesthetic tone of your content (e.g., old-style numerals for historical designs).
- Achieve professional-grade typography without needing images or custom code.
font-variant-numeric: normal | [ <feature-value>+ ];
<feature-value> =
lining-nums | oldstyle-nums |
proportional-nums | tabular-nums |
diagonal-fractions | stacked-fractions |
ordinal | slashed-zero| Class | Styles |
|---|---|
| normal-nums | font-variant-numeric: normal; |
| ordinal | font-variant-numeric: ordinal; |
| slashed-zero | font-variant-numeric: slashed-zero; |
| lining-nums | font-variant-numeric: lining-nums; |
| oldstyle-nums | font-variant-numeric: oldstyle-nums; |
| proportional-nums | font-variant-numeric: proportional-nums; |
| tabular-nums | font-variant-numeric: tabular-nums; |
| diagonal-fractions | font-variant-numeric: diagonal-fractions; |
| stacked-fractions | font-variant-numeric: stacked-fractions; |
Using font-variant-numeric allows for clean and context-appropriate representations of numbers, enhancing the overall visual hierarchy.
Numeric presentation can profoundly affect readability and the visual appeal of your design. For instance, using old-style numerals can evoke a classic feel in a design meant for print-like layouts, whereas lining numerals may be more suitable for tech-oriented websites. Proper use of these styles contributes to a more refined presentation.
The font-variant-numeric property can be applied to any text element using CSS. Here are the main values you can use:
Browser Support
Supported by most modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
Not all fonts support every numeric variant. Always test with your chosen font. Ensure you are using a font that supports OpenType features like Roboto, Merriweather, Inter, or Georgia.
Final Thoughts
Utilizing font-variant-numeric enriches your typographic design by ensuring that numbers fit the context of your content beautifully. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that can elevate the professionalism of your web design. By taking control of numeric styles, you can create visually appealing and cognitively pleasant experiences for your users.