descender

A descender is the portion of a lowercase letter that extends below the baseline—the line on which most letters sit. The baseline, together with the x-height (the height of the body of the lowercase letters), helps define the vertical space of a typeface. Descenders contrast with ascenders, the strokes that rise above the x-height seen on letters such as b, d, and h.

In Latin-script typography, the most common descenders appear in letters like g, j, p, q, and y. Some fonts include letters with no descender depending on the design, and the depth of descenders can vary widely between fonts. The overall shape of a descender also influences the character of a typeface, contributing to its formal or playful feel.

Descenders affect line spacing and readability. Long or elaborate descenders may require more leading (the vertical space between lines) to avoid overlap in multi-line text. Designers consider descender shapes and depths when choosing a typeface for a given layout, as they contribute to texture, rhythm, and legibility.

Beyond Latin scripts, many writing systems include characters that extend below the baseline in certain styles or scripts, and the concept of measuring below the baseline remains a shared concern in typography. In handwriting, descenders are also responsible for the distinctive flow and rhythm of an individual's script, influencing both speed and legibility.