Best CV font and size for 2026 (what actually passes ATS)

Why font choice actually matters for a CV

A CV font has to do two jobs at once: render cleanly to a human reader skimming for 20-30 seconds, and parse correctly through Applicant Tracking System software that extracts your text before a human ever sees it. Some visually appealing fonts fail badly at the second job, which makes this a genuinely practical decision, not just a style preference.

Safe, ATS-reliable fonts to use

• Calibri — the modern default for a reason: clean, compact, and universally supported.
• Arial — the safest, most universally recognized sans-serif; slightly wider than Calibri.
• Helvetica — similar to Arial, common on Mac-created documents.
• Georgia — a reliable serif option if you prefer a more traditional look.
• Garamond — a classic serif choice, though slightly smaller-reading at the same point size, so size it up a touch.
• Lato / Open Sans — modern, professional sans-serif fonts increasingly common in 2026, still standard enough to parse reliably.

Fonts to avoid

• Script or handwriting fonts — visually distinctive but can cause character recognition issues in ATS parsing.
• Comic Sans — reads as unprofessional across nearly every industry.
• Overly condensed or novelty fonts — harder to read at small sizes and can render inconsistently across devices.
• Times New Roman — not unsafe exactly, but increasingly seen as dated; a small thing, but worth avoiding if you want the CV to feel current.

The right font sizes for each part of the CV

• Body text: 10-11.5pt — small enough to fit content on one page, large enough to read comfortably without zooming.
• Section headings: 12-14pt, usually bolded, to create clear visual separation without needing a different font.
• Your name at the top: 18-24pt — the one place on the page where a noticeably larger size is expected and helpful.

Avoid dropping body text below 10pt to force more content onto one page — a recruiter who has to strain to read is more likely to skim past a section than lean in closer.

One font is usually enough

Using a single font throughout the CV, varied only by size and bold/regular weight, reads as more polished than mixing two different typefaces. If you do want contrast — for example a serif for your name and a sans-serif for body text — keep it to exactly two fonts maximum, and make sure both are on the safe list above.

Line spacing and margins matter almost as much as the font itself

A good font choice can still look cramped with tight line spacing. Aim for 1.0-1.15 line spacing within paragraphs and slightly more space between sections, with margins no smaller than about 0.5 inches on each side — narrower margins to fit more content usually backfire by making the whole page feel dense and harder to scan.

FAQ

Is Times New Roman still acceptable for a CV in 2026?

It's not unsafe for ATS parsing, but it reads as dated compared to modern alternatives like Calibri or Lato — worth switching if you want the CV to feel current.

What font size should I use for my name at the top of my CV?

18-24pt is standard — it's the one part of the page where a clearly larger size than the rest of the text is expected and helps the CV feel organized.