Font Size for Resume

Font Size for Resume

The ideal font size for a resume is typically between 10 and 12 points. Choosing the right size ensures your content is clear, professional, and easy to read for recruiters and hiring managers.

When crafting a resume, the content is undoubtedly crucial—but so is the design. One of the most overlooked yet impactful formatting decisions is the font size. Using the right font size on your resume ensures that your information is easy to read, professionally presented, and ATS-friendly (Applicant Tracking System).

In this guide, we’ll break down the best practices for resume font size, including recommendations, exceptions, and common mistakes to avoid.

What Is the Ideal Font Size for a Resume?

The standard font size for resume text is between 10 and 12 points. This range strikes the perfect balance between fitting content on the page and maintaining readability.

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  10 pt: Best for resumes with extensive experience or when space is tight. Still readable but can appear small on some screens or printouts.

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  11 pt: A great middle ground—easy to read and professional-looking.

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  12 pt: Recommended for those who prefer a cleaner, more spaced-out look or have less experience to fill the page.

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Font Sizes for Different Resume Sections

Using different font sizes across resume sections can help create a clear visual hierarchy. Here’s a general breakdown:

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  Name/Header: 14–16 pt (to stand out clearly at the top)

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  Section Titles (e.g., Education, Experience): 12–14 pt

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  Body Text (descriptions, job roles): 10–12 pt

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  Footer or Minor Details (e.g., location, website): 9–10 pt

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Pro Tip: Always stay consistent within each category (e.g., all body text should be the same size).

Which Fonts Work Best at These Sizes?

Some fonts are easier to read at smaller sizes. When choosing your resume font, make sure it scales well:

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  Sans-serif fonts like Helvetica, Arial, and Calibri are clean and modern, ideal for digital resumes.

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  Serif fonts like Times New Roman or Georgia can give a more traditional, formal look.

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  Avoid overly stylized or decorative fonts—they can be distracting and hard to read at smaller sizes.

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Resume Font Size Tips

Here are some best practices to ensure your resume is polished and effective:

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   Test Print Your Resume: What looks good on screen might not read well on paper.

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   Keep It Legible: Never reduce font size below 9 pt—even if you're trying to fit more information.

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   Use White Space Wisely: A clean, spaced-out layout is better than cramming content into a single page.

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   Consistency is Key: Use the same font and sizing style across similar elements to maintain a professional look.

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   Mind the ATS: Most applicant tracking systems can parse standard fonts and sizes easily. Stick to common choices.

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Should You Adjust Font Size to Fit One Page?

While it’s ideal for most resumes to fit on one page, don’t sacrifice readability to achieve this. It’s better to go slightly over one page (especially if you have over 10 years of experience) than to shrink the text too much.

Instead of decreasing font size:

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  Edit content for conciseness.

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  Remove outdated or irrelevant experience.

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  Optimize spacing and margins.

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Final Thoughts

The best font size for a resume is simple: 10–12 pt for body text, with strategic sizing for headings and contact information. Staying within this range ensures that your resume looks professional, is easy to scan, and passes through applicant tracking systems without issues.

A resume is your first impression—make sure it’s a clear and readable one. Prioritize layout, font, and font size as much as you do content to land your next interview confidently.