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NickyNewGuy

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I have just begun reading, a lot, about handwriting. I have used a fountain pen for many, many years but did not get really interested in writing. I have read much about letter formation and word length. The one thing I have not been able to find is when just writing, say notes or letters or just practicing how high, is the general rule, for letters? I know if you use different paper, with lines, you could fill in the entire area. But what if you were just writing a note, letter on plain paper. Is there a standard height to the letters? I also realize that you can get very fancy but I just would like to know if there is a norm.

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If using paper with no guidelines (not even a ruled backing sheet that shows through to the page being written upon), it probably comes down to what is comfortable and legible. Using a double-broad nib and writing 3/16" line height is probably going to be mud. OTOH, a Japanese EF could be legible even down at 1/16" line height (recipient might need a magnifier to view it).

 

If using a calligraphic nib, the line height is normally based upon the font and the width of the nib. Based on a quick Google: Black Letter and Uncial appears to be 8 nib widths, split 2/4/2 (ascender, main body, descender). Italic may run 13 nib widths 4/5/4 (with the upper 4 split between full ascender and lower capitals)

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If using paper with no guidelines (not even a ruled backing sheet that shows through to the page being written upon), it probably comes down to what is comfortable and legible. Using a double-broad nib and writing 3/16" line height is probably going to be mud. OTOH, a Japanese EF could be legible even down at 1/16" line height (recipient might need a magnifier to view it).

 

If using a calligraphic nib, the line height is normally based upon the font and the width of the nib. Based on a quick Google: Black Letter and Uncial appears to be 8 nib widths, split 2/4/2 (ascender, main body, descender). Italic may run 13 nib widths 4/5/4 (with the upper 4 split between full ascender and lower capitals)

Thank you for your very informative and useful response. I will apply what you have provided. Have a great day.

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