Typography Hierarchy: Choosing Fonts That Guide the Eye
Typography hierarchy shapes how users read and understand your content. Learn how to use font size, weight, spacing, and pairing strategies to guide attention, improve readability, and create stronger visual structure.
Introduction
Typography is not just decoration. It is one of the strongest tools for guiding attention and structuring content.
When typography hierarchy is clear, users instantly understand what matters most and where to look next. When it’s unclear, everything competes for attention.
This guide explains how to build typography systems that create clarity and flow.
What is Typography Hierarchy?
Typography hierarchy organizes text based on importance using:
Size
Weight
Color
Spacing
Style
The goal: help users know what to read first, second, and third without thinking about it.
The 3-Level Typography System
Level 1: Headlines (H1)
Main message
Largest size
Usually bold
One per page
Level 2: Subheadings (H2–H3)
Break content into sections
Medium size
Clear separation
Level 3: Body Text
Detailed information
Comfortable reading size
Regular weight
Font Size Ratios That Work
Instead of random sizes, use consistent ratios.
Golden Ratio (1.618)
Creates strong contrast.
Perfect Fourth (1.333)
Balanced and versatile.
Major Third (1.25)
Subtle and content-friendly.
Using mathematical ratios creates visual harmony.
Font Pairing Strategies
Serif + Sans-Serif
Classic contrast between elegance and readability.
Same Family, Different Weights
Clean and cohesive.
Display + Neutral Body
Decorative headlines paired with simple body text.
Rule: Maximum 2 font families per design.
Font Weight for Hierarchy
Regular for body
Medium for emphasis
Semi-bold for subheadings
Bold for headlines and CTAs
Weight often works better than size for subtle hierarchy.
Line Height & Spacing
Line Height
Headlines: 1.1–1.2
Body: 1.5–1.7
Spacing
Consistent spacing reinforces structure and improves readability.
Color in Typography
Headlines: near-black
Body text: dark gray
Secondary text: medium gray
Accent color: sparingly for emphasis
Too many colors weaken hierarchy.
Common Typography Mistakes
Too many font sizes
Low contrast
Ignoring mobile scaling
Overusing ALL CAPS
Excessive line length
Testing Typography
Use the squint or blur test:
Does hierarchy remain visible?
Can you distinguish content levels instantly?
If everything looks the same, hierarchy needs work.
Typography Checklist
Clear size difference between heading levels
Max 2 font families
Proper line height
Strong contrast
Responsive sizing
Consistent spacing
Body text minimum 16px
Conclusion
Typography hierarchy is the backbone of readable, conversion-friendly design.
Start simple. Use structured levels. Apply consistent ratios. Test with blur.
Clarity in typography leads to clarity in communication — and clarity converts.