Change font size in Gmail's compose window

When you write a new email in Gmail, the font size button sits in the toolbar above your message. Open a new email by clicking the Compose button, then look for the font size dropdown — it shows a number like "12" by default. Click it to see options ranging from 8 to 22 points. Select the size you want, then type your message. The size applies only to new text you write after selecting it.

If you want to change the size of text you've already written, highlight it first by clicking and dragging across the words. Then click the font size dropdown and choose a new size. The change applies instantly to the selected text. You can mix sizes within a single email — some paragraphs large, others small — by selecting and resizing each section separately.

Font size in Gmail resets to the default (usually 12 points) each time you start a new email. Gmail does not have a setting to permanently change your default compose font size across all future emails. If you consistently want larger text, you'll need to change it manually in each message you write.

Key Takeaways

  • The font size button is in the toolbar when you compose a new email, showing a number that you click to open size options from 8 to 22 points.
  • Highlight existing text first, then click the font size dropdown to resize only the words you selected.
  • Font size does not carry over between emails — each new message starts at the default size.
  • You can use different sizes within one email by selecting and resizing each section separately.
  • Gmail's web version and mobile app both have font size controls, though the mobile interface places them in slightly different locations.

Change font size in Gmail on your phone or tablet

The Gmail mobile app for iPhone and Android includes font size controls, but they're less obvious than on the web. Open a new email and start typing. Look for the three-dot menu icon (usually at the top right of the compose window) and tap it. Select "Formatting options" or a similar menu item — the exact label varies by device. This opens a toolbar with font size, bold, italic, and other text formatting choices.

On some Android versions, the formatting toolbar appears directly above the keyboard when you tap in the message body. If you don't see it, try tapping the three-dot menu. On iPhone, the formatting options may appear as a separate panel that slides up from the bottom. Tap the font size option and choose your preferred size, then continue typing.

To resize text you've already written on mobile, highlight it by pressing and holding on a word, then dragging to select the full section. Once highlighted, tap the font size option in the formatting menu and choose a new size. The process is slower than on a computer, so most people reserve font size changes for important emails where readability matters.

Why you might want to change font size

Larger fonts make emails easier to read on small screens, especially if you have vision difficulties or are reading on a phone. Smaller fonts let you fit more text on the screen without scrolling, which is useful when you're writing a long message and want to see the full context. Some people use size changes to emphasize important points — a sentence in 18-point font stands out more than bold text alone.

When you send an email with custom font sizes, the recipient sees your formatting only if their email client supports it. Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail, and most other modern email programs preserve font size changes. Older email clients or plain-text-only readers may ignore the size and display everything at their default. If you're emailing someone using a very old system, stick to standard sizes (10 to 14 points) to avoid readability problems on their end.

Change the default font size for reading emails you receive

If incoming emails are too small or too large to read comfortably, you can adjust how Gmail displays them without changing your compose settings. On the web, open Gmail settings by clicking the gear icon in the top right corner and selecting "See all settings." Go to the "Display density" section and choose "Comfortable" (larger text) or "Compact" (smaller text). This changes how Gmail shows all your emails, not just new ones.

This setting affects the email list and the message body, making everything larger or smaller together. It's different from changing the font size when you write — it only controls what you see when reading messages others have sent you. If you want even more control, you can use your browser's zoom feature (Ctrl and + on Windows, Command and + on Mac) to enlarge the entire Gmail page, including text, buttons, and images.

On the Gmail mobile app, go to Settings, select your account, and look for "Display density" or "Text size." The options vary slightly between iPhone and Android, but both let you choose a comfortable reading size. These changes apply only to your device and account — they don't affect how your emails look to other people.

Font size options and what they look like

Gmail's compose font sizes range from 8 points (very small, rarely used) to 22 points (very large, for emphasis). Most emails use 10 to 14 points — 12 is the standard default. A quick reference: 10-point text is noticeably smaller than normal, 12 is standard, 14 is noticeably larger, and 18 or above is for headings or strong emphasis. If you're unsure what size to use, 12 or 14 points works for almost any email.

When you change font size, you're changing the point size, not the typeface (font family). Gmail's default typeface is usually Arial or a similar sans-serif font. If you want to change both the size and the typeface — for example, to use Times New Roman or Georgia — look for the font dropdown next to the font size button. It works the same way: select text or position your cursor, click the dropdown, and choose a different font.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the person I email see the font size I chose?

Yes, if they use Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail, or most other modern email programs. The font size travels with your email. Very old email clients may not support it and will display your message in their default size instead. If you're unsure about the recipient's email program, use a standard size between 10 and 14 points to be safe.

Can I set a default font size so I don't have to change it every email?

Gmail's web version does not have a setting to permanently change your default compose font size. Each new email starts at 12 points. Some third-party Gmail tools and browser extensions claim to do this, but they're not made by Google and may not work reliably. The simplest approach is to change the size manually in emails where it matters.

Why does my font size reset when I start a new email?

Gmail treats each email as a separate document with its own formatting. When you close the compose window and open a new one, Gmail returns to the default settings. This is by design — it prevents accidental formatting from one email carrying over to the next. If you frequently need larger text, consider using your browser's zoom feature instead, which affects all Gmail pages.

Can I change font size in Gmail labels or folders?

No. Font size controls only work when you're composing a new email or replying to one. You cannot change the size of text in your inbox, labels, or settings. If the email list is hard to read, use the Display density setting (Comfortable or Compact) or your browser's zoom feature to adjust the entire page.

What's the difference between font size and display density?

Font size changes only the text you write in new emails. Display density changes how Gmail shows all text on your screen — the inbox, email bodies, buttons, and menus. If you want larger text everywhere in Gmail, use Display density. If you only want larger text in one specific email you're writing, use the font size button in the compose toolbar.