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. In the toolbar that appears, 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. That size stays active until you change it again in that same compose window.

If you want to change the size of text you've already written, highlight the text first, then click the font size dropdown and pick a new size. The change applies only to the selected text, so you can mix sizes within a single email.

Key Takeaways

  • The font size button is in the compose toolbar and defaults to 12 points, with options from 8 to 22 points available.
  • Changing the size before you type makes that size active for the entire message until you change it again.
  • You can highlight existing text and change only that portion to a different size.
  • Gmail does not let you set a permanent default font size across all emails — each compose window starts at 12 points.
  • Recipients see the size you chose, but their email client may display it differently depending on their own settings.

Where to find the font size button

The font size control appears in the formatting toolbar when you compose an email. If you do not see a toolbar, click the three dots (more options) at the bottom left of the compose box. This reveals additional formatting buttons, including font size. The button displays the current size as a number.

On mobile Gmail, the font size option is less visible. Open the compose window, tap the three dots in the top right, and look for "Formatting options" or a similar menu. The exact location varies between Android and iOS, but both versions include font size control somewhere in the formatting menu.

Font size options and what they look like

Gmail offers sizes from 8 points (very small, rarely used) up to 22 points (quite large). Most emails use 12 points, which is the default. Common choices are 11 for a more compact look, 14 for easier reading, and 16 or larger for accessibility. The size you pick affects only how the email appears to the recipient — it does not change how large the text looks on your own screen while you compose.

Keep in mind that the recipient's email client may render the size slightly differently. Someone reading your email in Outlook, Apple Mail, or a phone might see it a bit larger or smaller than it appeared when you sent it, depending on their device and settings.

Changing font size for part of an email

You can use different font sizes within a single email. Highlight the text you want to resize by clicking and dragging across it. Once the text is selected, click the font size dropdown and choose a new size. Only the highlighted portion changes. This is useful for making a subject line or key point stand out, or for reducing the size of less important details.

If you want to go back to the default size after changing part of your email, click in the area where you want to resume typing, then select the size you prefer from the dropdown. Your cursor will use that size for all new text you type from that point forward.

Why Gmail does not have a default font size setting

Gmail does not offer a way to set a permanent default font size that carries over to every new email you compose. Each time you start a new message, it begins at 12 points. If you frequently use a different size, you will need to change it each time you compose. This is a limitation of Gmail's design — the setting is not available in Gmail's main settings page.

Some third-party browser extensions claim to set a default font size for Gmail, but these are not official Gmail tools and may not work reliably across updates. The most straightforward approach is to change the size manually each time you compose an email.

Font size and accessibility

Larger font sizes make emails easier to read for people with vision difficulties. If you are writing to someone who has mentioned they prefer larger text, using 14 or 16 points is a considerate choice. You can also combine a larger font size with a sans-serif font like Arial or Helvetica, which many people find easier to read on screens.

If you receive an email in a size that is too small for you to read comfortably, you can zoom in on your browser or email client — this is separate from the sender's font size choice. Most email clients also let you increase the default text size in their settings, which affects how all incoming emails appear to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set a default font size so every email I write uses the same size?

No, Gmail does not have a default font size setting. Each new compose window starts at 12 points. You will need to change the size manually each time you write an email if you prefer something different.

Will the recipient see the exact font size I chose?

Probably close to it, but not always exactly. The recipient's email client, device, and personal settings can affect how the text appears. A size you chose as 14 points might look slightly different on their phone or in their email program, but the relative size difference should be clear.

What is the largest font size Gmail offers?

The largest option is 22 points. If you need text even larger than that, you can use a different tool to create the email content and paste it into Gmail, though this may lose some formatting.

Can I change the font size on emails I receive?

You cannot change the sender's font size, but you can zoom in on your browser or adjust the text size in Gmail's settings to make all incoming emails appear larger on your screen. This does not change the email itself, only how you see it.

Does font size work the same way on Gmail mobile?

Yes, but the interface is different. Tap the three dots in the compose window, find formatting options, and look for font size. The available sizes are the same as on desktop, though the button may be harder to locate depending on your device.