Choosing the right font for your Microsoft Excel spreadsheets can make a big difference.
In this article, we’ll look at the best fonts for Microsoft Excel that will make your data clear and professional.
We’ll go through each font’s unique features and how it improves readability.
| Font Name | Brief Description |
|---|---|
| Aptos Narrow | New default font in Excel 365; clean, professional-looking sans-serif with condensed versions |
| Calibri | Modern sans-serif; clean lines and good readability; former default font |
| Verdana | Very clear and legible; larger x-height and wider letter spacing |
| Arial | Versatile sans-serif; crisp, clean look; familiar and trustworthy |
| Segoe UI | Designed for screen readability; smooth curves, and even spacing |
| Times New Roman | Serif font; formal and readable; good for large blocks of text |
| Helvetica | Simple and clean modern font; neutral design; dyslexia-friendly |
| Consolas | Monospaced font; excellent for code and financial data; precise character alignment |
| Lato | Modern sans-serif; balanced and harmonious; elegant and professional |
| Roboto | Google’s signature font; readable across various screen sizes; mechanical structure with friendly curves |
Aptos Narrow – The Newbie
The new default font in Microsoft Excel 365 is Aptos Narrow. It’s already a favorite among many.
This sans-serif font is clean and professional-looking.
One of the best features of Aptos Narrow is its condensed versions which allows you to fit more data in each cell.
Calibri – A Classic
Calibri, a modern sans-serif font, has been part of the Microsoft Office family for years. Known for its clean lines and readability, Calibri is a favorite among many Excel users. Its default size in Excel is 11 points, a balance between readability and space efficiency.
Before Microsoft 365, Calibri was the default font in Excel and Microsoft Word and its legacy still affects document formatting today.
The font is clean and professional looking and good for many types of documents from simple tables to complex financial reports.
For a modern classic look, Calibri is a good choice.
Verdana – Very Clear
Verdana is very clear and legible, that’s why it’s a favorite among digital spreadsheet users.
Designed with a larger x-height, Verdana makes each character distinct which greatly improves readability. This is very useful for those who spend long hours in Excel.
In addition to its larger x-height, Verdana also has wider letter spacing which further improves character distinction and readability. This makes it good for presenting text data in a clear and readable form.
Arial – Versatile and Trusty
Arial is a versatile sans-serif font that has been around for a long time. Known for its crisp and clean look, Arial is readable across many document types including Excel sheets.
Its familiar look gives a sense of consistency and trust so it’s the font and the go-to font for many users.
One of the best things about Arial is its flexibility. Whether you’re creating a simple list or a detailed report, Arial will present your data clearly and professionally.
Segoe UI – Screen Readability
Segoe UI is designed for screen readability so it’s good for digital documents like Excel sheet spreadsheets.
Its smooth curves and even spacing will present data clearly so your data will be easy to read and understand.
One of the best things about Segoe UI is its wide letter spacing and clear letterforms which reduces eye strain during long hours of use. This makes it a good choice for those who spend a lot of time in front of the computer.
Times New Roman – Formal
Times New Roman, a serif font, is formal and readable.
Its serifs guides the reader’s eye so it’s good for large blocks of text. This makes Times New Roman a good choice for formal documents and spreadsheets.
Used in many professional formats, Times New Roman brings a formal and sophisticated look to Excel files. Its readability and professional look makes it a safe choice for important documents where clarity and presentation matters.
Helvetica – Simple
Helvetica is a simple and clean modern font, a favorite among designers and typographers.
Its neutral design is clear and accessible so it’s good for many document types. In Excel spreadsheets Helvetica will give you a clean professional look that will enhance the overall presentation.
One of the best things about Helvetica is its dyslexia friendly design. This font will help improve readability for dyslexic users so it’s an inclusive font for many audiences. Its simple letterforms and clean lines makes it overall legible and attractive.
Consolas – Precision in Monospace
Consolas is a monospaced font designed specifically for use in programming and other scenarios where precise character alignment is crucial.
In Excel, this font shines when working with financial data, code snippets, or any information that benefits from perfect column alignment.
Each character in Consolas occupies the same amount of horizontal space, ensuring that numbers and text line up flawlessly in adjacent cells.
This feature makes Consolas an excellent choice for financial models, data analysis, and any spreadsheet where the visual alignment of data is paramount. Its clean, modern design also enhances readability, reducing eye strain during long hours of spreadsheet work.
Lato – Harmony and Balance
Lato is a modern sans-serif font that brings a touch of elegance and professionalism to Excel spreadsheets.
Designed by Polish designer Łukasz Dziedzic, Lato (which means “Summer” in Polish) is known for its balanced and harmonious appearance.
The font features both classical proportions and a sleek, modern feel, making it versatile for various types of Excel documents.
Lato’s semi-rounded details give it a warm, friendly appearance while maintaining clarity and legibility at both small and large sizes.
This font is an excellent choice for Excel users who want to create spreadsheets that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly readable, suitable for everything from data presentations to financial reports.
Roboto – Google’s Versatile Typeface
Roboto, developed by Google as its signature font, is a neo-grotesque sans-serif typeface that offers exceptional readability across various screen sizes and resolutions.
This makes it particularly useful in Excel, especially when your spreadsheets need to be viewed on different devices, from desktop computers to tablets and smartphones.
Roboto’s design is based on a dual nature – it has a mechanical skeleton, which gives it structure and clarity, but it also features friendly and open curves.
This combination results in a font that remains crisp and legible even at small sizes, which is crucial for data-heavy Excel sheets.
Roboto’s versatility and clean appearance make it an excellent choice for users who prioritize clarity and adaptability in their Excel documents.
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