Best Fonts and Sizes for a Resume
Learn the best fonts and sizes for a resume, how to keep it readable, and what to avoid when exporting to PDF.
Best Fonts and Sizes for a Resume (Quick Answer)
The best resume fonts are simple, readable, and professional.
Good font choices include:
- Arial
- Calibri
- Helvetica
- Georgia
- Cambria
- Times New Roman
For size, a common range is:
- 10 to 12 pt for body text
- 14 to 16 pt for section headings
The goal is to make the resume easy to scan quickly.
Why Font Size Matters on a Resume
Recruiters often scan resumes fast.
If the font is too small, the document becomes harder to read.
If it is too large, you may lose space for important content.
The right size helps with:
- Readability
- Clean layout
- PDF consistency
- Printing
Choose a Simple Professional Font
Resume fonts should look professional without being distracting.
Good choices often include:
- Calibri
- Arial
- Helvetica
- Georgia
- Cambria
- Times New Roman
These fonts are widely supported and usually render well in PDF format.
Keep the Layout Balanced
A resume should be easy to scan in a few seconds.
To keep it balanced:
- Use one main body font
- Keep headings slightly larger
- Leave enough white space
- Avoid too many font changes
Too much styling can make the resume feel messy.
Avoid Overly Decorative Fonts
Fancy fonts usually hurt a resume more than they help.
Avoid fonts that are:
- Script-like
- Too thin
- Too narrow
- Hard to read at small sizes
The resume should communicate professionalism first.
Best Practice Summary
If you want the short version:
- Use a clean, professional font
- Keep body text around 10 to 12 pt
- Use larger headings for structure
- Avoid decorative fonts
- Test the PDF version before sending it
That is the simplest way to choose the best fonts and sizes for a resume.
FAQ
What is the best resume font?
Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, Georgia, Cambria, and Times New Roman are all common choices.
What font size should I use?
Usually 10 to 12 pt for body text and a larger size for headings.
Can I use more than one font?
Yes, but keep it limited and consistent.
Is Calibri okay for resumes?
Yes. It is a common and readable choice.
Should I use decorative fonts?
Usually no. They can make the resume harder to scan.
Does PDF export change the font?
It can, so always test the final file.