When writing your CV, make sure you get the basics right first and foremost – with that in mind, don’t overlook the CV font size. But what size font should a CV be?
Key takeaways: Font size for CV guidelines
- Body text (role descriptions, bullets, education): In most cases, use 10-12 pt, with 11 pt as a good balance if you’re not sure.
- Section headings (e.g. Experience, Education, Skills): Usually these are 14-16 pt so they stand out as signposts for the people reading them for the first time.
- Name at the top: Often this is 16-20 pt, sometimes a bit larger, so it is instantly visible.
What size font should a CV be and why?
For most CVs, use 10-12 pt for the main text. If in doubt, use 11 pt.
Use slightly larger sizes, around 14-20 pt for headings and your name to keep the document readable, professional and scannable.
Alternatively you can use the H1, H2 and H3 headings to automatically enlarge the font size for headings.
But why?
- Readability: Recruiters and hiring managers skim CVs quickly, usually on screens; 10-12 pt font sizes keep the text legible for them without risking eye strain, while 14-16 pt headings help them find the section they’re looking for easily.
- Space and layout: Around 11 pt allows enough content on one or two pages without looking cramped or padded, while leaving enough white space.
- Applicant tracking systems (ATS): Standard fonts such as Calibri, Arial or Helvetica at 10-12 pt are simple to parse for ATS software, avoiding any odd spacing or recognition issues.
Read our full guide to find out more about how to optimise your CV for ATS software.
So, how hard and fast are these rules – is there scope to make the font sizes bigger if you’re struggling to fill up two pages on your CV? Or smaller if you have so much to say, you can’t quite fit it all in?
Can the CV font size be bigger?
For example, is a CV font size of 13 or higher a viable option for the body text?
We don’t recommend CV body font size of 13 pt or higher. Most experts and recruiters advise keeping body text between 10-12 pt to ensure the CV remains professional, concise and easy to read.
Using a font size of 13 pt or above for the main content can make your CV appear as if you are trying to artificially fill space, which reduces your credibility. It can cause recruiters to view your application less favorably.
Larger fonts also use up valuable page space, potentially forcing important details onto a second page.
If you have accessibility needs or are submitting to a specific employer who requests larger text, you can make an exception – but for general use, stick to 10-12 pt for body text.
If you’re struggling to fill 1 or 2 pages with your skills and work experience, perhaps there are more details you can think of instead, rather than trying to use up the space with a larger font.
Can the CV font size be smaller?
What about a CV font size of 9 or lower if you’re struggling to fit in everything you want to say?
We don’t recommend a CV font size of 9 pt or lower for body text, as it is too small and can make your CV difficult to read for recruiters and hiring managers.
Using a font size below 10 pt can force readers to strain their eyes, especially when reviewing documents on screens. It can give the impression that you are trying to cram too much information onto one page.
Most experts agree that the minimum readable size for CV body text is 10 pt. Sticking to 10-12 pt ensures your CV remains accessible and easy to scan.
If you struggle to fit your content on one or two pages, focus on editing and prioritising your most relevant information rather than reducing the font size below 10 pt.
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What about the best font itself?
In a separate article, we’ve explored the best font for CVs. In short, always use a clean and professional font – avoid trying something quirky.
Fonts such as Arial, Aptos, Calibri and Helvetica are safe, widely accepted choices – Aptos is the default font for Microsoft Office as of 2024. Arial is the default in Google docs, typically at size 11.
ATS systems can struggle with unusual fonts or formatting. Avoid using ‘fun’ fonts such as Comic Sans or anything too stylised.
Even for creative roles, stick to fonts that are functional first. That’s what hiring managers – and software – are looking for.
FAQs: What font size should a CV be?
Should resume font size be 11 or 12?
Either font size 11 or 12 should work well. If in doubt, aim for font size 11 as a halfway house between the 10 and 12 pt range.
Is font size 9 okay for CVs?
Font size 9 is rarely suitable for CVs because it is too small for comfortable reading, especially on screens or printed copies, which can frustrate recruiters and reduce your chances.
Is 10.5 font size good for a resume?
A font size of 10.5 is an acceptable choice because it is slightly larger than the minimum recommended size and can help maximise space, while maintaining the document’s readability.
Final thoughts: Font size for CV guidelines
Choose the font first. Some fonts look larger than others – if needed, adjust it within the 10-12 pt body range.
Test-print or export your CV to a PDF format then look at it on both a laptop and phone, to make sure everything is clear and consistent. This is how it will look to a recruiter or hiring manager when they download it.
We hope you found this article useful. If so, why not take a look at some of our other articles, such as:
- How To Tell If An Interview Went Well: Good and Bad Signs
- Tell Me How You Handled A Difficult Situation Example Answers
- How Do You Work Under Pressure? Example Answer For Interviews
- Being Self-Employed But Working For An Employer
- How To Tailor Your CV To The Job Description
- How To Write A Supporting Statement For A Job Application With Template
- Last Day At Work Guide
- Driving Licence on CV Guide
- Unpaid Leave In The UK
Need help with CV writing or planning your next move? Our expert team at PurpleCV is on hand with career coaching services tailored to your needs – contact us for more information.
