Ascender
The part of a lowercase letter that extends above the x-height, as in b, d, h, and l.
Learn more in the guide
Anatomy of TypeRelated terms
X-Height
The height of lowercase letters such as x, a, and e, measured from the baseline to the top of the main body (excluding ascenders and descenders).
Descender
The part of a lowercase letter that extends below the baseline, as in g, j, p, q, and y.
Baseline
The invisible line upon which most letters sit; the reference line for vertical alignment and rhythm in typography.