Change font size in Gmail's compose window
When you write a new email in Gmail, the font size control sits in the toolbar above your message. Open a new email by clicking the Compose button. In the formatting toolbar that appears below the subject line, you'll see a dropdown menu showing a number — usually 12 — with a small arrow next to it. Click that dropdown to see size options ranging from 8 to 22 points.
Select the size you want before you start typing, or highlight text you've already written and then change its size. The change applies only to the email you're composing, not to your default settings. If you close the email and come back to it later, the text keeps the size you chose.
Key Takeaways
- Font size in Gmail's compose window is controlled by a dropdown menu in the formatting toolbar, showing numbers from 8 to 22 points.
- You can set the size before typing or change the size of text you've already written by selecting it first.
- Gmail does not let you set a permanent default font size for all new emails — each message starts at 12 points unless you change it.
- The font size you choose in a draft email stays with that email even if you close and reopen it.
- Recipients see the font size you chose, but their email client may display it differently depending on their own settings.
Where the font size menu appears
The font size dropdown is part of Gmail's formatting toolbar. When you click Compose or reply to an email, a text box opens with a toolbar directly above it. The toolbar includes buttons for bold, italic, and underline, along with a color picker and the font size menu. On desktop, the font size dropdown is usually the fourth or fifth item from the left.
If you don't see the toolbar, click the three dots (more options) at the bottom left of the compose window. This expands additional formatting controls. The font size menu appears in the same location once you do this.
Why Gmail doesn't have a default font size setting
Gmail starts every new email at 12-point font and does not offer a way to change this default. Unlike some email clients, Gmail does not include a preferences option to set your preferred font size for all future messages. This means you need to adjust the size manually in each email you write if you want something other than 12 points.
The reason for this design choice is that Gmail prioritizes simplicity and consistency across devices. A default font size setting would require Gmail to store that preference and explore it across your account, which adds complexity. Instead, Gmail keeps the interface minimal and lets you control each message individually.
How recipients see your font size choice
When you send an email with a specific font size, Gmail embeds that information in the message. The recipient's email client receives the size you chose. However, what they actually see on their screen depends on their own email settings and device. A 16-point font on your screen might display as a different visual size on their phone or in their email program.
Most email clients respect the font size you send, but some older or simplified email readers may ignore it and display everything at their own default size. If you need to may support readability, use a size between 11 and 14 points — this range displays clearly on most devices and email programs without looking oversized.
Changing font size in Gmail's settings for reading emails
The font size control in compose is different from the zoom level you use when reading emails. If text in your inbox or in received messages looks too small or too large, you can adjust the zoom on your entire Gmail page. Use your browser's zoom controls: press Ctrl and the plus key (+) to make everything larger, or Ctrl and the minus key (−) to make it smaller. On Mac, use Command instead of Ctrl.
This zoom adjustment affects how Gmail displays on your screen but does not change the actual font sizes in emails you send or receive. It's a temporary visual adjustment that resets if you close your browser or clear your cache, depending on your browser settings.
Font options beyond size
Gmail's formatting toolbar also includes a font family dropdown, usually located to the left of the font size menu. This lets you choose between Arial, Times New Roman, Courier New, and a few other standard fonts. Like font size, this choice applies only to the email you're composing. You select the font before typing or highlight existing text and change its font.
Gmail does not support custom fonts or fonts from your computer. You're limited to the fonts built into Gmail's system. This keeps emails consistent and ensures recipients can read them regardless of what fonts they have installed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set a default font size for all my Gmail emails?
No. Gmail always starts new emails at 12-point font and does not include a setting to change this default. You must adjust the font size manually in each email if you want a different size.
Does the font size I choose appear the same on the recipient's phone?
Not necessarily. The size information travels with your email, but how it displays depends on the recipient's email app and device. A 14-point font may look different on an iPhone than on a desktop computer, even though the actual size value is the same.
What's the largest font size Gmail offers?
The largest option in Gmail's font size dropdown is 22 points. If you need larger text, you can select your message text and use your browser's zoom feature to enlarge everything on your screen, though this won't change the actual font size in the email itself.
If I change the font size in a draft, does it stay changed when I reopen it?
Yes. Any formatting you explore to a draft email, including font size, stays in place when you close and reopen that draft. The formatting is saved with the email.
Can I change the font size of an email after I've sent it?
No. Once an email is sent, you cannot edit it or change its formatting. If you need to resend a message with different formatting, you must compose a new email.