Compare Fonts → Monospace → IBM Plex Mono vs Space Mono
IBM Plex Mono vs Space Mono
Both are monospace faces on Google Fonts. IBM Plex Mono has the larger x-height, so it looks bigger at the same size. Space Mono takes more horizontal space.
IBM Plex Mono
Handgloves & Quartz Jockeys
Handgloves & Quartz Jockeys
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Pack my box with five dozen liquor jugs, then ship it to 1,842 Grove Street by 9:30 AM.
Space Mono
Handgloves & Quartz Jockeys
Handgloves & Quartz Jockeys
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Pack my box with five dozen liquor jugs, then ship it to 1,842 Grove Street by 9:30 AM.
Measured differences
| Measurement | IBM Plex Mono | Space Mono | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| x-heightHeight of lowercase letters, as a share of the font size. Higher reads larger at the same point size. | 51.6% | 49.6% | 2.0% |
| Cap heightHeight of capitals, as a share of the font size. | 69.8% | 70.0% | 0.2% |
| x-height to cap ratioProportion of lowercase to uppercase. Higher feels more modern and open. | 0.74 | 0.71 | 0.03 |
| Stroke weightMeasured thickness of a vertical stroke. Higher is heavier on the page. | 8.5% | 8.0% | 0.5% |
| Stroke contrastHorizontal stroke divided by vertical. 1.0 is even; below 0.5 means strong thick-thin modulation. | 0.81 | 0.93 | 0.11 |
| Average character widthMean lowercase advance. Higher takes more horizontal space. | 60.0% | 61.2% | 1.2% |
Where they diverge most
- Stroke contrast: IBM Plex Mono measures 0.81, Space Mono measures 0.93. Horizontal stroke divided by vertical. 1.0 is even; below 0.5 means strong thick-thin modulation.
- x-height: IBM Plex Mono measures 51.6%, Space Mono measures 49.6%. Height of lowercase letters, as a share of the font size. Higher reads larger at the same point size.
- Average character width: IBM Plex Mono measures 60.0%, Space Mono measures 61.2%. Mean lowercase advance. Higher takes more horizontal space.
At a glance
| IBM Plex Mono | Space Mono | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Monospace | Monospace |
| Weights | 7 | 2 |
| Variable axes | None | None |
| Language subsets | 5 | 3 |
| Designer | Mike Abbink | Colophon Foundry |
See fonts similar to IBM Plex Mono or fonts similar to Space Mono.