Measurement Systems

Question 1

hot metal setting

Answer 1

each individual letter was a “punch” and smaller than the “shank” (box around the letter, whose vertical dimensions determined the type size of a typeface). the non-printed space surrounding the letter was the “shoulder”.

Question 2

typographical point

Answer 2

the smallest unit in a measurement system for fixing the size, spacing, and line height of a letter (most common measuring unit, with millimeter)

Question 3

most common typographical measurement units

Answer 3

DTP point sizes (PostScript point) is based on 1/72nd of an inch (1 inch=25.4mm, so DTP pt represents .352mm). Didot point (dd) is .375mm

Question 4

factors for est. type size (3)

Answer 4

the purpose for which the type is being used, the medium, the stylistic characteristics of the typeface

Question 5

3 groups of type sizes

Answer 5

1. reference sizes: type sizes of 5 to 8 pt. used for side notes and footnotes, as well as reference works, telephone directories, dictionaries, etc.
2. text sizes: 9 to 12 pt. used for continuous text (books)
3. display sizes (distance sizes): 14 pt or bigger. used for headings, or text intended to be read at a long distance.