Non-Designer’s Type Book, The, Second Edition

Chapter 10. Oldstyle Figures

In typography, numbers (or numerals) are called figures. Most typefaces use plain old regular numerals, or figures. These regular numerals (also called “lining figures”) are similar to all caps in that they appear to be too large when set within body text. But figures used to be designed like lowercase letters, with ascenders and descenders, which blend smoothly and beautifully with body copy. These “oldstyle figures” are also particularly beautiful when set in large sizes. Once you start using them it’s hard to go back to the regular lining number.

Notice how large and clunky these figures appear:

Notice how beautifully ...