Paragraphs

GOV.UK Frontend v6.0.0 and later includes an updated the type scale to increase the size of text on small screens, improving legibility and accessibility.

See an overview of the changes to the type scale.

The default paragraph font size is 19px.

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HTML

<p class="govuk-body">govuk-body</p>

You can also add classes to create a lead paragraph or smaller body copy to convey hierarchy in your page.

Lead paragraph

A lead paragraph is an introductory paragraph that you can use at the top of a page to summarise the content. Lead paragraphs use 24px type on desktop and if it’s needed you should only use it once per page.

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HTML

<p class="govuk-body-l">govuk-body-l</p>

Body small

You can use the govuk-body-s class sparingly to make your paragraph font size 16px instead of 19px.

The majority of your body copy should use the standard 19px paragraph size.

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HTML

<p class="govuk-body-s">govuk-body-s</p>

Help improve this style

To help make sure that this page is useful, relevant and up to date, you can:

• take part in the ‘Paragraphs’ discussion on GitHub and share your research
• propose a change on GitHub – read more about how to propose changes in GitHub

Need help?

If you’ve got a question about the GOV.UK Design System, contact the team.