Effects of leading on readability

Abstract

Leading has little effect on the rapidity and accuracy of reading performance. However, readers dislike solid-set type. Using the frequency of blinking as a criterion of readability for 10-point linotype Textype "(1) both solid set and 1-point leading are about equal in readability and are the least desirable; (2) readability increases significantly as the leading is increased beyond 1 point; and (3) 3-point leading represents a practical optimum in readability." (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)