What Is the Best Font Size for a CV?

What is the best font size for a CV

When it comes to crafting the perfect CV, every detail matters—from the formatting and layout to the content. One of the most overlooked yet critical elements? Font size. Choosing the right font size for your CV headers and body text can make the difference between a document that is polished and professional and one that looks cramped or inconsistent.

Best Font Size for CV Body Text

The body text includes the bulk of your content—work experience, education, skills, etc.

  • Recommended size: 10–12 pt
  • Ideal sweet spot: 11 pt

  • 10 pt might work if you’re trying to fit more content on one page but should be used cautiously—it can be hard to read in some fonts.
  • 11 pt is typically a safe and readable choice across most modern fonts.
  • 12 pt is great if your CV is short and you want a clean, airy feel.

Best Font Size for CV Headers

Headers refer to section titles like “Work Experience,” “Education,” or “Skills.” These should stand out and provide structure.

  • Recommended size: 13–16 pt
  • Ideal sweet spot: 14 pt

Consider using bold and all-caps in addition to increasing the size to improve visibility and structure.

Final Tips

  • Use professional fonts like Calibri, Helvetica, Georgia, Garamond, or Arial. Avoid overly stylized or decorative fonts.
  • Consistency is key—once you choose sizes, stick to them throughout the document.
  • Always print or preview your CV as a PDF to make sure the font size appears clear on screen and on paper.

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