How to choose the right font for your thesis?

The concluding phase of your academic journey is presenting your research and findings in a thesis. After years of hard work, and ofcourse you want to present it in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

An important aspect of your thesis is choosing the right font. Since a thesis primarily consists of text, selecting the appropriate font is crucial. In this blog, we’ll explain how to make this choice.

Why is Choosing the Right Font So Important?

Selecting the right font for your thesis is essential for readability. It’s evident that your research comprises a significant amount of text. Opting for a font that is too small or difficult to read can strain your readers’ eyes. Therefore, it’s best to choose a font that appears professional and businesslike.

Serif or Sans Serif Font?

When choosing a font for your thesis, it’s essential to know that there are two types of fonts: sans serif and serif. Below, we’ll provide further explanations:

Sans Serif: This type of font does not have serifs, which are the thin crosslines at the ends of the vertical and horizontal strokes of letters.

If you desire a modern appearance for your thesis, opt for a sans serif font. Some examples include Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, and Verdana. You can see an example below.

Serif: A serif font does have the thin crosslines at the ends of the vertical and horizontal strokes of letters.

If you prefer a more classical look, a serif font is a good choice. This type is commonly used in older scientific publications and books. Examples of serif fonts include Times New Roman and Georgia. See an example below.

What Should Be the Font Size in My Thesis?

Like choosing the right font, selecting the font size is also crucial. You don’t want to use a font size that is too small, as it can be tiring to read. Conversely, a font size that is too large can appear unprofessional.

Most students use a font size of 10pt for their text in their theses. For captions, such as those for tables, a font size of at least 7pt is recommended. Slightly larger sizes are acceptable, but these are the minimum sizes to adhere to. Using a smaller font size can make the text difficult to read.

Choosing the Right Font for Your Thesis

In the past, it was standard practice to choose a serif font for a thesis. However, nowadays, it’s not mandatory. The only consideration when selecting the right font for your thesis should be whether it’s readable for everyone.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference, but you may want to consider the following:

The number of font variants available: Fonts that offer various styles such as italic, bold, and light can help you emphasize tables and figures effectively, maintaining a clear and appealing layout.

Font costs: Not all fonts are free, and some can be quite expensive. It’s worth considering this when choosing a font for your thesis.

Fonts in Word: Microsoft Word includes several useful fonts like Calibri. Due to their familiarity, these fonts are commonly used by students.

The layout of your thesis

Are you still unsure about which font to use for your thesis? The Proefschriften.nl design team is here to provide advice and can assist you in every aspect of the layout of your thesis. We can format your entire thesis, allowing you to enjoy a well-deserved break after years of hard work. Contact us or ask your questions on our website to Magnificus.

Team Proefschriften.nl

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