Originally posted over 6 years ago by Micah Sivitz, Product Designer at Dropbox
When it comes to presenting very large numbers—be it for web traffic statistics, pricing, or data visualizations—the right typeface can make all the difference. Micah Sivitz asked the design community for their favorite fonts for displaying numbers, and the responses brought a variety of stylish and highly functional options to the table.
Top Recommendations
DIN / FF DIN Pro
Why It Works:
- Clarity and Versatility: A strong favorite among designers, DIN is praised for its excellent legibility in numerical contexts.
- Consistent Appearance: As Brian A. and Michael Aleo noted, DIN shines in charts and large displays, delivering a professional, no-nonsense look.
“DIN shines when you use it for numbers. Numerically-speaking it’s fantastic.” – Michael Aleo
Bebas Neue
Why It Works:
- Bold and Impactful: Alex Carpenter highlighted Bebas Neue for its sleek, modern feel, which works well when numbers need to stand out.
- Contemporary Appeal: Often used in poster designs and headlines, it provides a clean aesthetic that catches the eye.
“Bebas Neue always looks really nice in numerals.” – Alex Carpenter
Montserrat
Why It Works:
- Modern and Accessible: Recommended by Edwin de Jongh, Montserrat is a free Google font that offers clear, geometric shapes—ideal for digital displays.
- Widespread Usage: Its popularity means it’s familiar to many users, which can enhance readability in data-heavy environments.
“I personally really like Montserrat for numbers… it’s a free Google font.” – Edwin de Jongh
Other Notable Mentions
Pompadour Numerals & Klinic Slab
- For a Shiny, Unique Look: Keaton Price and Kenneth Ormandy mentioned Pompadour numerals for a “poster-style” display. While they are beautiful and have character, they can sometimes be more challenging to read quickly.
- Versatility in Weights: Klinic Slab, with its range of weights and italics, is another option that offers robust numeral designs, making it suitable for both headlines and data displays.
Roboto
- Balanced and Functional: Bryan Lewis shared his early success with Roboto on an internal dashboard project. Praised for its clarity and modern look, Roboto is a dependable option that works well across devices.
- Digital Optimized: As part of Google’s font collection, its design is well-tuned for screen readability.
Gotham Pro and Others
- Sophisticated Edge: Vadim Salimianov recommended Gotham Pro for its clean lines and striking presence in numerical displays.
- Context Matters: Harpal Singh mentioned Georgia for its classic appeal, reminding us that sometimes context and the overall design language should guide the choice of numeral typeface.
Tungsten
- A Bold Alternative: Chris York pointed to Tungsten as a unique choice that can give numbers a distinct, impactful look—perfect for designs where every detail counts.
Considerations When Choosing a Font for Numbers
- Legibility: When displaying large figures, especially in data visualizations or on digital dashboards, the font should be clear and instantly readable.
- Tone and Context: The right font can set the mood—whether you want a modern, sleek look (Montserrat, Roboto) or a bold, attention-grabbing style (Bebas Neue, DIN).
- Consistency: Using a font that aligns with your overall design language ensures that your numbers don’t just stand out but also integrate seamlessly into your project’s aesthetic.
Conclusion
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to the best font for displaying numbers. While many in the community lean toward DIN for its clarity and reliability, others find that fonts like Bebas Neue and Montserrat offer a modern twist that works beautifully in digital contexts. Experimenting with these options and testing them within your design context is key. Ultimately, the best choice will balance aesthetics with legibility, ensuring your numbers are both visually appealing and easily understood.