Definition
Leading
Leading (rhymes with 'sledding') is the vertical space between lines of type, named for the lead strips typesetters once inserted. Book body text is usually set with leading around 120–145% of the font size — 11pt type on 13–14pt leading is a common novel setting.
Leading is the biggest single lever on how a page feels: tight leading darkens the page and crams more words on it; generous leading opens it up and adds pages. Interior themes set leading as part of the design, which is one reason the same manuscript can measure 217 pages in one theme and 253 in another — both correct, different typography.
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