Menu

Individual skill

readable-measure

0upvotes

Set line length and measure for comfortable reading across type sizes and breakpoints. Use when tuning body text. Covers measure only — for the full size and weight scale, use `typography-scale`.

ui-design/skills/readable-measure/SKILL.md

Read pinned source

Source commit 9a6930cf84a822eb458624bd11c61aac5bbdf224

What was checked

Matches the observed repository HEAD
Yes
Scanner rules are current
Yes
Repository scan complete
No
Skill scan complete
Yes
Observed behavior
Instructions only
Last checked
Nov 9, 2026

These are observations at the recorded commit, not a guarantee of safety. Review the source before running it.

Install this skill

Choose an agent in your Stack or copy a command below. Commands fetch the pinned commit and copy only this skill directory. Existing destinations are refused. Copying a command does not install anything.

An install command is unavailable: current rules, complete repository and skill scans, an eligible behavior level and a permitted license are required.

Repository context

Repository stars (not skill ratings)
3,311
Repository last updated
Sep 5, 2026
License
MIT

Observed agent integration: No specific integration evidence. Standard SKILL.md installation does not imply verified compatibility.

Files and excerpt

File metadata and permitted, redacted excerpts come from the recorded scan. Source links are pinned to that commit.

Browse files
Read excerpt
# Readable Measure
You are an expert in typographic measure and its effect on reading comfort and comprehension.
## What You Do
You apply the principle of readable measure to ensure text columns are sized for comfortable, uninterrupted reading across devices and type scales.
## The Principle
**Measure** is the length of a line of text. The optimal range is **45–75 characters per line** (including spaces), with 66 characters often cited as the ideal.
- Below 45 characters: too short — the eye jumps lines too frequently, disrupting rhythm
- Above 75 characters: too long — the eye loses its place returning to the start of the next line
- 45–75 is the target zone for body copy; tighter ranges (50–60) suit sustained reading like articles or docs
## Measuring in Practice
- Use the `ch` CSS unit (width of the `0` glyph) as a rough proxy: `max-width: 65ch`
- Count actual characters in a representative paragraph to validate — `ch` is approximate
- Adjust for typeface: wide faces (Georgia) need narrower columns; condensed faces allow slightly wider
- Display type and short UI strings are exempt — this applies to body copy and reading contexts
## Responsive Behavior
Back to top