Letter spacing refers to the amount of space between individual characters in a line of text. It’s a key element of typography that can affect both the readability and overall look of a website. Designers use letter spacing—sometimes called tracking—to either tighten or loosen the visual spacing between letters for stylistic or functional reasons. Whether you're adjusting headings to stand out or making body text more legible, letter spacing is one of those small details that can make a big impact.

Why letter spacing matters in web design

Letter spacing plays a critical role in how easy it is to read content on a screen. If the letters are too close together, words can feel cramped or hard to distinguish. On the flip side, too much space between letters can make text look awkward or disjointed. Getting the spacing just right helps strike a balance between style and function. In web design, especially for responsive layouts, small typographic tweaks like this can enhance the user experience without overwhelming the viewer.

How to adjust letter spacing using CSS

In web development, letter spacing is controlled using the letter-spacing property in CSS. You can apply this rule to individual elements like headings, paragraphs, or buttons. For example:

css

CopyEdit

h1 {

  letter-spacing: 0.05em;

}

The value can be in pixels (px), em units (em), or other length measurements. Positive values add space between characters, while negative values reduce it. Making these adjustments allows designers to fine-tune how text appears across different devices and screen sizes.

Letter spacing vs. kerning: what’s the difference?

Though often confused, letter spacing and kerning are not the same. Letter spacing applies uniform space across all characters in a text block. It affects the overall density and feel of the text. Kerning, on the other hand, adjusts the space between specific letter pairs—like “A” and “V”—to create a more visually balanced look. While kerning is often handled automatically by fonts, letter spacing is something designers control manually, especially on the web. Understanding the difference helps you make smarter typographic decisions.

Best practices for using letter spacing

• Use sparingly for body text – Too much spacing can make paragraphs harder to read. Stick to small increments.
• Enhance headings or logos – Slightly increased spacing in titles can add a polished, modern look.
• Test across devices – Make sure your spacing looks good on mobile, tablet, and desktop.
• Be consistent – Once you find a spacing style that works, apply it consistently throughout your site.

Letter spacing is a subtle yet powerful tool for shaping your brand’s voice and improving overall visual harmony.

FAQs about letter spacing

What is a good letter spacing value for web design?

Most designers use values between 0 and 0.1em for body text, depending on the font. For headings, you can increase it slightly to give the text more breathing room. Always preview your design on different screen sizes before finalizing it.

Does letter spacing affect SEO?

No, letter spacing doesn't directly impact your SEO. However, good typography—including proper spacing—makes your content easier to read, which can lead to longer page visits and lower bounce rates. These user behavior metrics do influence search rankings.

Can I use letter spacing in all fonts?

Yes, but the results may vary. Some fonts are designed with tight or loose spacing in mind, so the effect of changing letter spacing can look different across typefaces. Always test your adjustments visually before applying them site-wide.

Is letter spacing important for accessibility?

Definitely. Proper letter spacing can improve text clarity for people with visual impairments or reading disorders like dyslexia. Web accessibility guidelines recommend minimum spacing standards for maximum legibility.

Can AI tools help me with letter spacing?

Yes! Tools like the B12 AI Website Builder automatically adjust typography—including letter spacing—for optimal readability and aesthetic balance. It’s especially helpful if you're not a design expert.

Bring your typography to life with smart design

Letter spacing might seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference in how professional and polished your site looks. Whether you're tweaking it manually or using an AI-powered tool, getting it right improves both aesthetics and usability. With B12’s AI website builder, you can instantly apply clean, readable design choices—no coding required. Get started today and build a website that looks as great as it functions.