Line spacing refers to the vertical space between lines of text on a website. It’s also commonly known as "leading," a term that comes from traditional printing. The main goal of line spacing is to make text more readable and visually balanced on a screen. When done well, it can make your content feel breathable and easy on the eyes. When done poorly, it can make a site feel cluttered or hard to read.

Why line spacing matters for readability

Line spacing directly affects how easily users can scan and digest text. Too little spacing and the text feels cramped; too much and it looks disjointed or hard to follow. For long-form content like blogging or detailed landing pages, a comfortable line spacing helps keep users engaged. Designers often experiment with spacing alongside font size and line length to create the best reading experience. It’s a small design choice that can make a big difference in how professional or approachable your content feels.

Ideal line spacing ratios

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule, but a good rule of thumb is a line height that’s around 1.4 to 1.6 times the font size. For example, if your body text is 16px, a line height between 22px and 26px usually feels right. On some devices, especially mobile, you might want to increase spacing slightly to improve readability. Designers often use relative units like “em” or “rem” for more responsive control. It’s a small tweak that can seriously boost the user experience.

How line spacing affects SEO and accessibility

Believe it or not, line spacing can impact your site’s SEO and accessibility. Proper spacing makes content easier for screen readers and people with visual impairments. It can reduce bounce rates because users are more likely to stick around and read well-formatted content. Search engines also favor websites that provide a good user experience. So while line spacing might seem like just a design detail, it plays a quiet but important role in making your site accessible and search-friendly.

How to adjust line spacing using a website builder

With a modern website builder, adjusting your line spacing is typically as easy as tweaking a slider or editing a style setting. You’ll usually find it under text or typography settings in your editor. Some tools even let you preview changes in real-time across devices. This flexibility makes it easy to test different line spacing ratios and see what looks best for your content. With tools like B12, you don’t need to touch code to get your site looking polished.

FAQs about line spacing

What is the difference between line spacing and paragraph spacing?

Line spacing is the vertical space between individual lines within a paragraph, while paragraph spacing refers to the space before or after a whole paragraph. Both are important, but they serve different purposes in layout design. Together, they help break up text and improve flow and readability.

Is there a standard line spacing for websites?

There isn’t a strict standard, but many designers aim for a line height of 1.4 to 1.6 times the font size for body text. This range tends to work well across screen sizes and content types. The exact value might shift depending on your font style and overall layout.

Can line spacing be responsive across devices?

Yes, responsive design best practices recommend adjusting typography, including line spacing, for different screen sizes. For mobile screens, slightly more spacing can improve readability. Tools like B12’s builder make it easy to preview and set responsive line heights without needing to code.

Does line spacing impact how fast people read?

It can. Proper line spacing can reduce visual fatigue, making it easier for readers to move from one line to the next. Overly tight or loose spacing may slow down reading or cause users to skip content entirely. Balanced spacing helps keep the reader’s focus on your message.

How can I test if my line spacing is working well?

The easiest way is to preview your site on multiple devices and ask for feedback. You can also track bounce rates or session duration to see if users are engaging with your content. If readers are skimming or leaving quickly, adjusting your typography—including line spacing—might help.

Want your content to look just right?

Good line spacing is just one piece of building a clear, professional website. If you want your site to feel polished and easy to read—without fussing with code—B12 has your back. Our AI-powered builder helps you manage layout, content, and spacing with ease. Get started today and bring your design to life in just minutes.