type sizes crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the crossword clue "type sizes", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle and expand your knowledge of typography.
Solutions for "type sizes crossword" by Letter Count
2 Letters
EM: A unit of measurement in typography equal to the current font size, often used for horizontal spacing.
EN: A unit of measurement in typography equal to half the width of an EM, often used for spacing.
5 Letters
PICAS: A unit of measurement in typography, equal to 12 points, often used for line lengths.
6 Letters
POINTS: The fundamental unit for measuring font size, typically 72 points to an inch.
9 Letters
NONPAREIL: An historical type size, typically referring to 6-point type.
More About "type sizes crossword"
The clue "type sizes" often appears in crosswords because typography has a rich history with unique terminology. Before digital fonts, type was physical, and its size was measured in tangible units. These traditional measurements, such as points and picas, became industry standards, influencing everything from newspaper layouts to book design.
Understanding these terms is not just useful for crosswords; it provides insight into the foundational principles of graphic design and printing. An 'em' and an 'en' are relative units, meaning their exact size depends on the current font size, making them flexible for spacing. Conversely, points and picas are absolute, providing consistent measurements across different typefaces.
Some type sizes even have historical names, like 'Nonpareil' for 6-point type or 'Minion' for 7-point. While less common in modern digital design, these names frequently pop up in crosswords, requiring solvers to delve into the lexicon of traditional printing to find the correct answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Historically: For clues related to printing or typography, consider older terms. Many type sizes have names that are no longer common in everyday design but persist in crossword puzzles.
- Check Common Units: Always start with the most common units like POINTS, PICAS, EM, and EN. These are the most frequent answers for "type sizes" clues.
- Consider Letter Count: Use the given letter count to narrow down your options. If the clue asks for a 5-letter word, you can immediately rule out 'EM' or 'POINTS'.
- Context is Key: Pay attention to other words in the clue or surrounding clues. Sometimes a specific context can hint whether the answer is a measurement unit or a named type size.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are "type sizes" in typography?
Type sizes refer to the specific units of measurement used to define the dimensions of characters within a typeface. These measurements determine the height of the font and influence aspects like leading, tracking, and kerning, all crucial for readability and design in printed and digital media.
How are type sizes relevant to crossword puzzles?
In crosswords, clues about 'type sizes' often test a solver's knowledge of historical and contemporary typographic units. Common answers include units like 'points', 'picas', 'em', 'en', and sometimes specific traditional font names that denote a certain size, like 'nonpareil' or 'brevier'.
What's the difference between a point and a pica?
A point is the smallest standard unit of type measurement, with 72 points typically making up one inch (in the desktop publishing standard). A pica is a larger unit, equivalent to 12 points, primarily used for measuring line lengths, column widths, and page margins in typography.