Understanding Squarespace Base Size: Method to Adjust the Font Text Size in Squarespace for Entire Website

See here expert knowledge and tips about base size in website, specifically Squarespace website.

What is Base Size in Squarespace?

On Fonts panel in Site Styles (paint brush on top right corner), you see an entry titled as ‘Base Size’. It is the optimum basic size of all text on your website. It controls the text size everywhere on your website. This base size value also indicates to a browser the default text size on your website.

Please remember that some fonts may require specific base size for optimal and accessible text display.

→ Watch Video Tutorial below.

What should be Standard Base Size for Most Fonts?

For most fonts, you should set 16px base size on Squarespace site, but it is not universal rule for all fonts.

Base Size in Squarespace Font Settings | Pro Tips

Please note that web browsers calculate the REM (the root em size) based on the root element size. The default for modern web browsers is 16px. [RD]

Most Squarespace templates have built-in base size of 16 pixels. However, you can increase or decrease the Base Size through + and – buttons next to it. You can set Base size from 12px to 24 px.

For keeping accessibility in mind, you should change the default base size of a font, if it is not looking proper.

Please note that according to web consortium, different font families vary in terms of x-height, so a 16px font in one family may be smaller or larger than a 16px font in another.

Important Facts about Base Size in Squarespace

Base size is directly proportional to size of all types of text. It means that if you decrease base size, it will automatically decrease the text size of all text elements such as quotes, paragraphs, headings on your Squarespace website.

You can keep the built-in Base Size, set by Squarespace if you don’t change the default fonts of template. However, you should review the base size after switching font. If it is necessary, increase or decrease only by one or two points. Otherwise, it can create readability issues on your website.

For example, if you note that Squarespace font size is too small and difficult to read, try increasing the Base Size by 1px or more.

Base size affects text size of all elements including description text of images.

→ Explore the Cost of Building a Business Website on Squarespace.

What if Base Size Unnoticeably Changes in Squarespace?

Most Font Packs, maintain 16px ideal base size. However, some Font Packs may automatically change the Base Size value. For example:

  • HWT Aetna Extra Condensed and Adonis font packs automatically increase (change) Base Size to 17px

  • Audiowide font pack, changes Base Font Size to 15px

  • Eurostile Extended and Pragmatica Extended font packs decrease Base Size to 13px

  • Teimer Web font pack decreases Base Size to 14px.

No need to worry as mostly Base Size corresponds with built-in size of selected fonts, to better fit text on the page. However, you have the option to manually adjust the Base Size according to your desired and suitable value. Use plus and minus buttons to increase or decrease the base font size of your website.


If you change base size, it will change text size of all paragraphs, headings, buttons, and miscellaneous text elements including meta and quotes. However, you can easily change text size of any individual element, that will not affect text size of other elements. For example, if you change text size of titles, it will not apply on paragraphs. Similarly, you can individually change text size of paragraphs, by accessing respective panel for paragraphs.

More Resources

These resources might help you learn more.

Irfan Hayat

As the Founder and CEO of DOZRO and various other ventures, I bring a wealth of diverse life experiences to the forefront. At heart, I am a passionate tech enthusiast. Feel free to explore our range of Pro Services, such as website and graphics design, SEO, and video editing, with confidence.

https://www.dozro.com/irfan-hayat
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