LaTeX Font Sizes: Complete Guide to Changing Text Size in Your Documents
LaTeX offers ten standard font size commands that control text appearance. These commands range from \tiny (smallest) to \Huge (largest). Each adjusts text relative to your document’s base size.
Here’s your complete list:
\tiny\scriptsize\footnotesize\small\normalsize\large\Large\LARGE\huge\Huge
You can change font size instantly with these commands. Just place the command before your text. The change applies until another size command appears or the current group ends.
\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
This is normal text. {\large This text is larger.} Back to normal.
\end{document}This guide teaches you everything about font sizes in LaTeX. You’ll learn relative sizing, absolute sizing, and practical applications. By the end, you’ll control typography confidently in any document.
Understanding LaTeX’s Font Size System
LaTeX uses a relative sizing approach. Your document class defines a base font size. All size commands adjust proportionally from this baseline.
Think of it like a volume slider. The base size sets your starting level. Size commands move up or down from that point.
How Document Class Options Control Base Sizes
When you declare your document class, you specify the base font size:
\documentclass[12pt]{article} % Base size: 12pt
\documentclass[11pt]{report} % Base size: 11pt
\documentclass[10pt]{book} % Base size: 10pt (default)The standard classes accept three options: 10pt, 11pt, and 12pt. If you omit this option, LaTeX defaults to 10pt. This choice affects every size command in your document.
The LaTeX Project documentation provides official specifications for these size relationships.
Standard Font Size Commands Explained
Each size command selects a predefined point size. These values scale based on your document class option.
Here’s what each command actually produces:
| Command | 10pt Base | 11pt Base | 12pt Base |
|---|---|---|---|
\tiny |
5pt | 6pt | 6pt |
\scriptsize |
7pt | 8pt | 8pt |
\footnotesize |
8pt | 9pt | 10pt |
\small |
9pt | 10pt | 10.95pt |
\normalsize |
10pt | 10.95pt | 12pt |
\large |
12pt | 12pt | 14.4pt |
\Large |
14.4pt | 14.4pt | 17.28pt |
\LARGE |
17.28pt | 17.28pt | 20.74pt |
\huge |
20.74pt | 20.74pt | 24.88pt |
\Huge |
24.88pt | 24.88pt | 24.88pt |
Notice how larger base sizes magnify most commands proportionally. This ensures consistent visual hierarchy regardless of your chosen base.
The \normalsize command restores the document’s base font size. Use it when you need to return to default sizing after making changes.
Quick Implementation Guide: Changing Font Size
Local Font Size Changes (Inline Text)
Wrap text in curly braces with a size command to change individual words or phrases:
\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
Regular text here. {\large This portion is larger.} Regular again.
You can make {\small small}, {\Large Large}, or {\Huge Huge} text anywhere.
\end{document}The curly braces create a group. The size change applies only within that group. Text returns to its previous size automatically after the closing brace.
Block-Level Font Size Changes
For entire paragraphs or sections, omit the braces. The size change persists until you specify a different size:
\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
\large
This entire paragraph appears in large text. So does this sentence. And this one too.
\normalsize
This paragraph returns to normal size. The change persists downward through your document.
\end{document}Environment-Based Sizing
You can control font sizes within specific environments:
\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
\begin{center}
\Large
This centered text is Large.
\end{center}
Normal text continues here.
\end{document}This approach keeps size changes contained. The environment boundary automatically reverts to the previous size.
Using Custom Font Sizes with \fontsize
Sometimes standard size commands don’t provide the exact size you need. The \fontsize command gives precise control.
Syntax and Parameters
The \fontsize command requires two parameters:
\fontsize{size}{baseline skip}\selectfontThe first parameter sets the font size in points. The second controls vertical spacing between lines. You must include \selectfont to activate the change.
Practical Examples with Exact Sizes
\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
{\fontsize{15}{18}\selectfont
This text is exactly 15pt with 18pt baseline skip.}
Normal text resumes here.
{\fontsize{24}{30}\selectfont
Large display text at 24pt.}
\end{document}Understanding Baseline Skip
Baseline skip controls the vertical distance between text lines. A good rule: set baseline skip to 120% of your font size.
For 10pt text, use 12pt baseline skip. For 20pt text, use 24pt baseline skip. This ratio maintains readability.
Too little baseline skip makes lines overlap. Too much creates disconnected, floating text. The visual rhythm depends on proper spacing.
Extending Beyond Standard Classes: The extsizes Package
Standard classes limit you to 10pt, 11pt, and 12pt base sizes. The extsizes package removes this restriction.
Available Extended Sizes
The extsizes package provides five additional document classes:
extarticle(replaces article)extreport(replaces report)extbook(replaces book)extletter(replaces letter)extproc(for proceedings)
These classes accept 8pt, 9pt, 14pt, 17pt, and 20pt options in addition to standard sizes.
Using Extended Size Classes
\documentclass[8pt]{extarticle}
\begin{document}
This document uses an 8pt base font. All size commands scale from this smaller baseline.
\large
Even large text remains relatively compact.
\end{document}Download extsizes from CTAN or access it through Overleaf, which includes it by default.
Small base sizes work well for compact documents like resumes or reference cards. Large base sizes suit presentations or posters.
Combining Font Sizes with Font Styles
Font size commands work independently of font styles. You can combine them freely.
Mixing Size and Style Commands
\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
{\large\textbf{Large bold text}}
{\small\textit{Small italic text}}
{\Large\textbf{\textit{Large bold italic text}}}
\end{document}Order doesn’t matter for size and style combinations. \large\textbf produces identical results to \textbf\large.
Font Family Considerations
Font families also combine with size commands. You can switch between serif, sans serif, and typewriter styles:
\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
{\large\textsf{Large sans serif text}}
{\small\texttt{Small typewriter text}}
{\Large\textrm{Large roman (serif) text}}
\end{document}The \textsf command switches to sans serif. The \texttt command uses monospaced typewriter font. The \textrm command returns to roman (serif) style.
Practical Applications: Document Type Examples
Academic Paper Formatting
Academic papers require clear visual hierarchy. Different sections need distinct font sizes:
\documentclass[12pt]{article}
\usepackage[margin=1in]{geometry}
\begin{document}
{\Large\textbf{Title of Your Research Paper}}
\vspace{0.5em}
{\large Author Name}
\vspace{1em}
{\Large\textbf{Abstract}}
\normalsize
Your abstract text appears in normal size. This provides readable body text while maintaining visual distinction for section headers.
{\Large\textbf{1. Introduction}}
Body text for your introduction section continues at normal size...
{\large\textbf{1.1 Background}}
Subsections use slightly smaller headings to show hierarchy.
\end{document}This structure creates three levels of visual importance: title, major sections, and subsections.
Resume with Varied Sizing
Resumes benefit from strategic font size variation:
\documentclass[11pt]{article}
\usepackage[margin=0.75in]{geometry}
\begin{document}
{\Huge\textbf{Your Name}}
\vspace{0.3em}
{\large Contact Information}
\vspace{1em}
{\Large\textbf{Professional Experience}}
\vspace{0.5em}
{\large\textbf{Job Title | Company Name}}
\normalsize\textit{2020 - Present}
Job description and accomplishments in normal text...
\end{document}This layout emphasizes your name while maintaining scannable sections. Recruiters can quickly navigate your experience.
Presentation Slides
Presentations demand larger base sizes and dramatic size variations:
\documentclass[20pt]{extarticle}
\usepackage[landscape, margin=0.5in]{geometry}
\begin{document}
\begin{center}
{\Huge\textbf{Slide Title}}
\vspace{2em}
{\Large Key Point One}
\vspace{1em}
{\large Supporting detail appears smaller}
\end{center}
\end{document}Starting with 20pt base size ensures readability from a distance. The \Huge command creates eye-catching titles.
Troubleshooting Common Font Size Issues
Problem: Size Commands Don’t Work
You changed the font size but see no difference in output. This usually happens with the \fontsize command.
Solution: Add \selectfont after your \fontsize declaration:
% WRONG - doesn't work
{\fontsize{18}{22} This text won't change.}
% CORRECT - activates the change
{\fontsize{18}{22}\selectfont This text changes to 18pt.}The \selectfont command tells LaTeX to apply your font changes immediately.
Problem: Text Looks Cramped or Overlapping
Your custom font sizes create unreadable text with lines touching each other.
Solution: Increase the baseline skip parameter in \fontsize:
% TOO CRAMPED
{\fontsize{16}{16}\selectfont
Line spacing equals font size.
This creates cramped text.}
% PROPER SPACING
{\fontsize{16}{20}\selectfont
Baseline skip exceeds font size.
This creates readable spacing.}A general guideline: baseline skip should be 1.2× your font size.
Problem: Inconsistent Sizing Across Document
Different sections show unexpected size variations despite using the same commands.
Solution: Check your document class options and ensure consistent usage:
% Document declares 12pt base
\documentclass[12pt]{article}
\begin{document}
% \large produces 14.4pt here
\large This is large text.
% Starting a new group
{\normalsize
% \large still produces 14.4pt
\large This is also 14.4pt.
}
\end{document}Remember that size commands are relative to your declared base size. Changing the document class option changes everything.
Problem: Math Mode Ignores Size Commands
Font size commands don’t affect equations properly.
Solution: Math mode uses different sizing commands:
\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
% Text sizing
This is {\large large text} but $x = y$ stays normal size in math.
% Math has its own sizing
$\displaystyle x = y$ versus $\scriptstyle x = y$
% For inline math matching text size
{\large Text and $\displaystyle\frac{a}{b}$ both large}
\end{document}Math mode employs \displaystyle, \textstyle, \scriptstyle, and \scriptscriptstyle instead of text formatting commands.
Advanced Typography with KOMA-Script and Memoir
Standard classes provide basic functionality. Advanced classes offer sophisticated font size control.
KOMA-Script Classes
KOMA-Script classes (scrartcl, scrreprt, scrbook) provide European typography standards with flexible sizing:
\documentclass[fontsize=13pt]{scrartcl}
\begin{document}
KOMA-Script accepts any font size value. You're not limited to standard options.
\end{document}The fontsize option accepts decimal values. You might specify 10.5pt, 13pt, or 15.5pt.
Memoir Class Capabilities
The memoir class includes extensive typography controls:
\documentclass[12pt]{memoir}
\begin{document}
% Memoir provides additional size commands
{\minuscule Extremely small text}
{\HUGE Even larger than standard \Huge}
\end{document}Memoir adds \minuscule and \HUGE to the standard size commands. It also provides detailed control over chapter and section formatting.
Both KOMA-Script and memoir maintain extensive documentation. Visit CTAN’s KOMA-Script page or the memoir documentation for complete guidance.
Quick Reference: Font Size Commands at a Glance
This table summarizes all standard font size commands with their relative order:
| Command | Relative Size | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|
\tiny |
Smallest | Copyright notices, micro-annotations |
\scriptsize |
Very small | Subscripts, footnote markers |
\footnotesize |
Small | Footnotes, captions, side notes |
\small |
Below normal | Table contents, secondary information |
\normalsize |
Base size | Body text, standard paragraphs |
\large |
Above normal | Subsection headings, emphasis |
\Large |
Larger | Section headings |
\LARGE |
Very large | Chapter titles, major divisions |
\huge |
Huge | Document titles, cover pages |
\Huge |
Largest | Main titles, poster headings |
Memory Aid for Command Names
Notice the pattern: commands progress from lowercase to mixed case to all uppercase. Single capital letters come before multiple capitals:
\large → \Large → \LARGE
This ordering helps you remember which commands produce larger text.
Quick Copy-Paste Templates
For inline size changes:
This is normal {\large and this is larger} and normal again.For block changes:
\large
Multiple paragraphs stay large.
Still large here.
\normalsize
Back to normal.For exact sizing:
{\fontsize{18}{22}\selectfont Custom 18pt text}Best Practices for Font Size Selection
Maintain Visual Hierarchy
Your document needs clear organizational structure. Size differences should guide readers through content levels.
Use consistent size ratios. If your title is 24pt and sections are 18pt, subsections might be 14pt. This creates predictable navigation.
Avoid random sizing. Every size choice should serve a purpose in your document’s hierarchy.
Consider Reading Distance
Document purpose affects optimal sizing. Printed papers use smaller sizes than presentations. Screen documents need larger text than print.
For print (8.5″ × 11″ paper): 10pt to 12pt base works well. For presentations: 20pt to 24pt base ensures visibility. For posters: 24pt minimum with larger headings.
Test your document at intended viewing distance before finalizing.
Balance Aesthetics and Readability
Dramatic size variation creates visual interest. Too much variation creates chaos.
Limit yourself to 3-4 distinct size levels in most documents. More levels confuse rather than clarify.
Remember that text formatting includes more than size. Bold, italic, and spacing also contribute to hierarchy.
Font Size Interactions with Document Layout
Margins and Text Width
Larger font sizes require wider margins or narrower text width. Lines shouldn’t extend beyond comfortable reading length.
A good rule: 60-70 characters per line maximizes readability. Adjust margins when changing base font size:
\documentclass[12pt]{article}
\usepackage[margin=1.25in]{geometry} % Wider margins for larger text
\begin{document}
Content with comfortable line length...
\end{document}Line Spacing Adjustments
The setspace package helps manage line spacing with different font sizes:
\documentclass[11pt]{article}
\usepackage{setspace}
\setstretch{1.5} % 1.5× line spacing
\begin{document}
Larger text benefits from increased line spacing for readability.
\end{document}Platform-Specific Considerations
Using Overleaf
Overleaf provides a cloud-based LaTeX environment. All standard font size commands work identically to local installations.
Overleaf includes common packages like extsizes by default. You don’t need to install anything manually.
Preview updates in real-time as you type size commands. This immediate feedback helps refine your typography choices.
Local LaTeX Distributions
TeX Live and MiKTeX handle font sizing identically. Any size command working in one distribution works in the other.
Keep your distribution updated. Recent versions include improved font support and additional size options.
Online Forums and Community Support
TeX Stack Exchange provides extensive discussions about font sizing challenges. Search before posting; many common questions have detailed answers.
The community offers advanced solutions for edge cases. You’ll find custom approaches for specialized documents.
Conclusion: Mastering LaTeX Font Sizes
You now understand LaTeX’s complete font size system. You know the ten standard size commands. You’ve learned document class options and their impact.
You can implement both relative and absolute sizing. The \fontsize command gives precise control when standard commands fall short.
Start with document class options for global sizing. Use size commands for local variations. Apply \fontsize for exact custom sizes.
Remember: consistency matters more than perfection. Choose sizes that serve your document’s purpose. Maintain visual hierarchy throughout.
Your next step: apply these techniques to your current document. Experiment with different size combinations. Test readability at intended viewing distance.
Font sizes represent just one element of effective typography. Combined with proper font families, styles, and spacing, they create professional, readable documents.
The LaTeX community continues developing new typography tools. Stay current by following CTAN updates and community discussions.
Master these fundamentals first. Advanced typography builds on this foundation. You’re now equipped to handle any font sizing challenge in LaTeX.