DIN 16507-2 2022-08 PDF

Full title and description

DIN 16507-2:2022-08 — Typefaces — Type sizes — Part 2: Word processing, media design and related techniques. German title: "Schriften - Schriftgrößen - Teil 2: Textverarbeitung, Mediengestaltung und verwandte Techniken". This part gives guidance and nominal values for type sizes, line spacing and conversions between SI units (millimetres) and traditional typographic point sizes for use in digital word-processing and media-design workflows.

Abstract

Provides practical orientation and a common vocabulary for working with type in everyday digital and media-design contexts. The standard defines preferred nominal type sizes, recommends treating type size as cone height (Kegelhöhe), addresses x‑height (Mittellänge) and capital height relationships, supplies conversion rules between millimetres and points, and includes a redesigned typometer and illustrative annexes to support measurement and specification. It is intended to harmonize digital typography practice and to improve interchange between designers, printers and clients.

General information

• Status: Current / Valid.
• Publication date: August 2022 (approved 1 August 2022).
• Publisher: Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN).
• ICS / categories: 01.040.37 (Image technology – Vocabularies); 37.100.01 (Graphic technology in general).
• Edition / version: 2022-08 (edition published August 2022).
• Number of pages: 22 pages.

Scope

The document applies to word processing, media design and related techniques and is intended to orient daily practice and education. It covers Latin, Greek and Cyrillic scripts (with principles transferable to other scripts), specifies recommended nominal type sizes and line spacing based on the International System of Units, provides a simple conversion method from millimetres to typographic points, and recommends how to relate typeface height (kegel height) to measured parameters such as capital height and x‑height. The part replaces earlier editions and brings the guidance into alignment with relevant legibility and sans‑serif standards.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of preferred nominal type sizes for digital word processing and media design.
• Recommendation to use kegel height (cone height) as the primary nominal measure for type size (rather than versal/capital height).
• Guidance on the relationship between type size, capital height (Versalhöhe) and x‑height (Mittellänge) with practical rules-of-thumb for legibility.
• Conversion rules and tables to convert SI units (mm) to typographic points (pt) and vice versa.
• Redesigned typometer for determining type sizes, plus illustrative figures and three annexes: vertical extent of glyphs, digit height explanations, and typographic measure comparisons.
• Applicability to Latin, Greek and Cyrillic characters with transferability recommendations for other scripts.
• Editorial and structural updates over the 1999 edition to expand scope, add new terms and update measurement practice.

Typical use and users

Used by graphic designers, typographers, layout artists, print service providers, digital‑media producers, communication and advertising agencies, type designers, technical drafters and educators. Typical uses include establishing consistent type sizes and line spacing for documents, templates, signage specs, client briefs, and training materials where clear, repeatable measurement and conversion between metric and point systems are needed.

Related standards

Closely related to other DIN typography and legibility standards, for example DIN 16507‑1 (typesizes for hot‑metal typesetting / historical part) and legibility/typeface standards such as DIN 1450 (lettering — legibility) and DIN 1451‑1 (sans‑serif typefaces — general). The 2022 update of part 2 explicitly aligns measurement practice with DIN 1450 and DIN 1451‑1 recommendations.

Keywords

typefaces; type sizes; typographic measurement; kegel height; x‑height; typometer; word processing; media design; conversion mm to pt; DIN standard; legibility.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: DIN 16507-2:2022-08 is the DIN standard that specifies preferred type sizes, measurement conventions and practical guidance for type use in word processing, media design and related techniques.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers nominal type sizes and line spacing recommendations, conversion between millimetres and typographic points, measurement methods (including a modern typometer), relationships among kegel height, capital height and x‑height, and illustrative annexes for glyph height and numerals.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Designers, printers, digital media professionals, typographers, technical drafters, agencies and educators who need consistent, measurable specifications for type in digital and print workflows.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2022 edition (published/approved August 2022) is the current edition of part 2 and replaces the earlier 1999 edition (DIN 16507-2:1999-05).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — DIN 16507 is a multi‑part series addressing type sizes and related measures; part 1 covers historical hot‑metal typesetting topics and part 2 addresses word processing and media design. Other DIN standards on lettering and legibility (for example DIN 1450 and DIN 1451) are complementary.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: typefaces; type sizes; kegel height; x‑height; typometer; mm-to-pt conversion; word processing; media design; legibility.