# Line length
According to a classic typographic rule, if you have readability in mind, your line length should be “around **two and a half** alphabet and not more than **three and a half**”. Below, you’ll find samples that will help you to set this very important parameter.
**NB :** for writing, I think one can go as far as three and a half alphabets. Four is definitely too long if you’re writing prose, not code. In short :
| | |
| ---------------------- | -------------------:|
| For reading, ideally : | around 2½ alphabets |
| For reading, maximum : | around 3 alphabets |
| For writing, maximum : | around 3½ alphabets |
### Samples
90 contiguous digits :
<!-- here are 90 contiguous digits -->
123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890
<br>2 alphabets :
<!-- 52 letters -->
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
<br>2 ½ alphabets :
<!-- 65 letters -->
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzabcdefghijklm
<br>3 alphabets :
<!-- 78 letters -->
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
<br>3 alphabets, with capitals :
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
<br>3 ½ alphabets :
<!-- 91 letters -->
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzabcdefghijklm
<br>4 alphabets :
<!-- 104 letters -->
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
 
Now, you can evaluate the line length of your style sheet, your editor, etc.
### Tip
Start by choosing a typeface and a ==type size== pleasing and comfortable for your eyes.
**Then** take the time to simultaneously adjust the ==line lenght== and the ==line height==.
 
<p style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">~~ Olivier Spinnler, 3 avril 2023
 ~~</p>