Type Scale Calculator & Generator
Build a harmonious type scale using mathematical ratios. Enter a base size and choose a scale ratio to generate a complete set of font sizes with ready-to-use CSS custom properties.
What this type scale does
This type scale calculator generates a modular font-size hierarchy from a base size and mathematical ratio. See every step from caption to display, copy CSS custom properties, and build consistent typography across your product.
How to use it
- Enter your base font size — typically 16px or 1rem for web body text.
- Choose a scale ratio such as Major Third (1.25) or Perfect Fourth (1.333).
- Review the generated sizes and adjust the number of steps in your scale.
- Copy the CSS output and paste into your design tokens or global stylesheet.
- Read the Type Scale Systems guide to understand when each ratio works best.
For deeper context, read the Type Scale Systems chapter in the Typography Master guide.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a type scale?
- A type scale is a set of font sizes derived from a base size multiplied by a consistent ratio. It creates visual harmony between headings, body text, and captions without arbitrary pixel values.
- What is the best type scale ratio for web design?
- Major Third (1.25) works well for UI and dashboards. Perfect Fourth (1.333) suits editorial content. Golden Ratio (1.618) creates dramatic display hierarchies for marketing pages.
- What base font size should I use?
- Use 16px (1rem) minimum for body text on the web. Many editorial sites use 17–18px for improved readability on desktop without hurting mobile legibility.