Tabular numbers give each numeral the same width, so values align vertically in tables. That regular spacing makes dense data easier to scan and compare at a glance. Proportional numbers work better in ordinary prose, where their varied widths use space efficiently. section 5.2.2
Use tabular numbers when:
- Presenting financial or other densely packed data in columns. section 5.2.2
- Helping readers estimate relative values quickly without inspecting every numeral closely. section 5.2.2
- Selecting a large-table font; choose lining numbers too, and consider a uniwidth font when available. section 5.6
A table that scans
Figure 5.13 contrasts proportional numerals, which form uneven vertical edges, with tabular numerals, which align into tidy columns. The aligned version lets a reader pick out the largest and smallest values within roughly an order of magnitude.
