google-fonts/cc-by-sa/knowledge/glossary/terms/letterform/content.md

Letterform refers to the unique shape of a letter, with characteristics shared throughout a typeface (or in lettering and calligraphy).


Analyzing letterforms means examining the components that make up the characters—bowls, counters, stems, shoulders, etc.—as well as the proportions applied collectively to each glyph—x-height, cap height, ascenders and descenders, etc.