18. People read faster with a longer line length, but they prefer a shorter line length

18. People read faster with a longer line length, but they prefer a shorter line length

Research shows that 100 characters per line is the optimal length for reading on-screen; this allows for the fastest reading speeds because your eyes don't have to keep jumping from line to line as much, interruptingthe flow of your reading. 

Most people actually prefer a short or medium linelength of 45 to 72 characters per line. This is becausepeople think it is easier to read shorter columns of textand also believe that they can read it faster. The truth isthat people can read a single wide column faster than multiple columns. 

If you are designing something where reading speed is an issue, then use larger line lengths. (100 characters per line)

If you are designing something where reading speed is less of an issue, use a shorter line length of 45 to 72 characters per line. Multi page documents work well with 45 characters per line so that the text takes up more space.