Line Spacing Calculator — Calligraphy Guidelines

Standard interline spacing is one x-height gap between lines. This means one x-height of clear space between the descender of one line and the ascender of the next. Tight spacing uses half an x-height, relaxed uses 1.5x.

Ascenders are the parts of letters that extend above the x-height (b, d, f, h, k, l). Descenders drop below the baseline (g, j, p, q, y). Their height relative to x-height varies by script.

Use a sharp pencil (4H or harder) and ruler. Mark the line positions on both sides of the paper and connect them. Or create a guideline sheet on card and place it behind translucent paper. Remove pencil lines after inking.

Uncial is a majuscule (capital-like) script where most letters sit within the x-height. Ascenders and descenders are minimal, only about 30% of x-height, making it compact and ideal for short texts.

Yes — rule four lines per text line: ascender line, waistline (top of x-height), baseline, and descender line. For scripts with branching strokes, some calligraphers add a fifth line at the branching point.