Browser Font Size Preferences: Debunking the 16px == 1em Myth

2025-03-02
Browser Font Size Preferences: Debunking the 16px == 1em Myth

This article explores the limitations of browser font size preferences and how to better achieve responsive typography. The author points out that the browser's default font size isn't always 16px, and simple pixel calculations based on em and rem units don't adapt to all user preferences. The article suggests abandoning pixel-based font size calculations, using the browser's default font size directly, and using the `clamp()` function with viewport units for responsive adjustments to provide the best reading experience on different screen sizes. A custom element-based solution is also proposed, allowing users to set personalized font sizes for different websites.