The line-height Property in CSS

The line-height property in CSS sets the amount of space between lines of text within an element. It controls the vertical spacing of text, affecting how lines of text are spaced relative to each other. This property is crucial for improving readability and visual appeal in text blocks.

Values of line-height

1. Normal

   • Description: The default line height that the browser calculates based on the font size. It ensures that text lines are spaced in a way that is generally readable.
   • Example:

     .normal-line-height {
       line-height: normal;
     }
     

2. Length Units

   • Description: Specifies a fixed line height using units like px, em, rem, etc. This value sets a specific distance between the baselines of consecutive lines of text.
   • Examples:

     .fixed-line-height {
       line-height: 24px; /* Fixed line height of 24 pixels */
     }
     
     .relative-line-height {
       line-height: 1.5em; /* Line height is 1.5 times the font size */
     }
     

3. Number

   • Description: A multiplier of the current font size. This value defines the line height as a multiple of the element's font size, making it a relative unit.
   • Example:

     .multiplier-line-height {
       line-height: 1.6; /* Line height is 1.6 times the font size */
     }
     

4. Percentage

   • Description: Specifies the line height as a percentage of the font size. For example, 150% means the line height is 150% of the font size.
   • Example:

     .percentage-line-height {
       line-height: 150%; /* Line height is 150% of the font size */
     }
     

Examples

1. Normal Line Height

   .normal-text {
     line-height: normal; /* Default line height */
   }
   

2. Fixed Line Height

   .fixed-line-height {
     line-height: 1.5em; /* 1.5 times the font size */
   }
   

3. Multiplier Line Height

   .multiplier-line-height {
     line-height: 1.8; /* 1.8 times the font size */
   }
   

4. Percentage Line Height

   .percentage-line-height {
     line-height: 120%; /* 120% of the font size */
   }
   

Explanation

• normal: Uses the browser's default calculation for line height, which is typically around 1.2 times the font size but may vary.
• Length Units: Fixed units like px and em provide specific, consistent spacing but may not scale well with responsive designs.
• Number: Offers relative control over line height as a multiple of the font size, which is useful for maintaining proportional spacing.
• Percentage: Allows line height to be set as a percentage of the font size, providing another way to achieve relative spacing.

Use Cases

• Readability: Increase line height to make text more readable, especially in long paragraphs or dense text blocks.
• Design Consistency: Ensure consistent vertical spacing between lines of text for a cleaner and more organized appearance.
• Accessibility: Improve readability for users with visual impairments by adjusting line height to provide sufficient spacing.