Have you ever stopped to really look at the numerals or numbers in a font? Beyond their basic function, numerals can possess a surprising amount of character! But not all numerals are created equal — if you’re working on a financial report in a spreadsheet, then you’ll need numerals that clearly distinguish between a capital I and a numeral 1. Likewise, if you’re a coder, then as a bare minimum, you expect the capital O and zero in your coding font to look different — usually by crossing the zero. In a future article we’ll take a closer look at those kinds of numerals.
But today, we are showcasing a few font families that have some particularly cool numerals. Some bold and playful or quirky and unique — just the kind of numerals that are ideal for posters, bold editorial design and even eye-catching packaging.
If you need a refresher on the various kinds of numerals and how they’re typically used, then take a look at our Guide to Numerals at the end of this post.
Naiad by Shinntype
In Nick Shinn’s Naiad, combines ornament and function in flourishes that are integral to the structure of almost every glyph. It’s a beautiful and fun success.
Americane by HvD
If you’re looking for bold and legible numerals,for packaging or a poster, then Grotesque fonts, especially those influenced by wood type, are a good choice. Americane, deigned by Hannes von Döhren of HvD, fits the bill perfectly.
Magnat Poster by Studio René Bieder
If you’re looking for high-contrast, contemporary numerals, then René Bieder’s super-modern take on the neo-grotesque, Magnat Poster, is a sharp, classy and elegant choice.
Flink Neue Bauhaus by Identity Letters
For numerals with a high-tech vibe, then Geometric sans could be right for you. Flink Neue Bauhaus by Identity Letters is a kind of brutalist take on this genre, with roots in the 1920s but still feeling crisp and up-to-date.
Rig Solid by Jamie Clarke Type
For fantastic 3D-effect numerals, look no further than Jamie Clarke’s standout layer font family, Rig Solid. Endless possibilities mixing and matching gradients, layer styles, and colors.
Eckhart Color by ROHH
A modern and sometimes whimsical Didone layer font family in 8 styles and scores of combinations.
Letraflex by Art Grootfontein
For a bubbly, fun, and retro-future set of numerals consider Art Grootfontein’s bold and brilliant Letraflex.
Interlaken by ROHH
High-tech numerals for the future. Interlaken is ideal for creative logotypes, spaceship branding, posters and modern, punchy headlines. Available in 3 widths, and the italic numerals look fast and great too.
Lining Numerals:
- These numerals sit on the baseline and share a uniform height, typically matching the height of capital letters.
- They are commonly used in headlines, tables, and in places where a consistent appearance is needed.
Old-Style Numerals:
- These numerals have varying heights, some extending above the x-height while others drop below the baseline.
- They match the ascenders and descenders of lowercase letters and work well in body text.
Tabular Numerals:
- In tabular numerals, all digits have the same width, even if their shapes differ.
- This ensures that columns of numbers align perfectly, making them essential for tables, financial reports, and any context where vertical alignment is crucial.
Superscripts and Subscripts:
- These are smaller numerals that are raised above5 (superscripts) or lowered below5 (subscripts) the baseline.
- They are used for footnotes, mathematical formulas, and scientific notations.
Fractional Numerals:
- Pre-built fractions, like ½ or ¼. They are designed to replace the cumbersome 1/2 and 1/4.
Proportional Numerals:
- These numerals have varying widths.
- Their ‘opposite’ form is monospaced or tabular figures.