Looking for fonts similar to Calibri or a solid Calibri font substitute? How do we find the closest font to Calibri? In this article, we'll check out some fonts like Calibri, as well as a bit of the font's history and what makes it such a popular choice. Check out these fonts and find your new favorite Calibri alternative today.
In terms of typographic history, Calibri is a relatively young font. Most users became first acquainted with Calibri in the late 2000s. At this time, Calibri replaced long-standing font defaults Times New Roman and Arial in many widely used Microsoft applications.
Chances are, you might have the Calibri font installed on your computer. This is also why you might see the issue of "Arial vs. Calibri" online; Calibri was its replacement. However, in regards to the better choice of Arial vs. Calibri, the jury may still be out (and highly subjective) on that.
Calibri's influence is visible in many other typefaces. It has a soft, rounded edge that gives it a versatile neutrality. It looks great at a variety of sizes too; try this font for your body copy, but it works great in points of interest too.
So, what font is similar to Calibri? The closest font to Calibri would have clearly modern influences. Here's a great example of some features that Calibri may further have popularized. Notice how it makes for a really classy aesthetic in this package design.
Prefer a font duo? When working with sans serif fonts similar to Calibri, consider pairing them with a bold display font or something with eye-catching flair.
Fonts Similar to Calibri
Let's take a look at some more fonts similar to Calibri. Remember to consider what aspects of Calibri most resonate with you. There are many different aesthetics when it comes to sans serif fonts. When considering what font is similar to Calibri, keep an eye out for a clean, modern aesthetic, but not necessarily overly geometric.
If you love fonts, give consider giving Envato Elements a look. You can download every font on this list for one low fee—as well as thousands of other fonts, too. Choose from a huge library of fonts, licensed for commercial use.
Here's a sample of some of the stylish fonts you can download today, including many modern fonts that could work as a Calibri alternative:
1. Stickler: Modern Typeface + WebFont
This is a nice choice if you're looking for a web font similar to Calibri. It lacks some of the softer roundness, but maintains a clean, modern aesthetic.
2. Carino: A Modern Elegant Typeface
Here's another elegant sans serif with some modern touches. It has some really lovely rounded edges. This Calibri font alternative has a bold all-caps font, perfect for display type.
3. Clarity Nuvo: Clean & Modern Sans-Serif Typeface
This font is a stylish Calibri alternative, with multiple weights to choose from. This is an excellent choice if you're looking for a versatile addition to your font library.
4. Grafic Simple and Clean Sans Serif Typeface
Isn't this font clean and stylish? It's got a timeless feel that could work well for a number of design projects and target aesthetics. Try pairing this one with a display font or let it hold its own.
5. Rockyeah Sans Serif Font
Here's another stylish sans serif that's perfect for display. The Calibri font alternative an all-caps font, and it has some interesting and unexpected variation in some of the strokes. Give it a look.
6. Asure All Caps Sans Serif Typeface
The rounded edges in this one give it a bit of softness, but we still have a bold, eye-catching look overall. Give this font a try for headlines, logos, and more.
7. Autogate Sans Serif Font
Isn't this font stylish? Try it out in your next design project. It would be a great fit for poster design, packaging, headlines, branding, and more.
8. Gabriella: Modern Typeface + WebFonts
This font is similar to Calibri in some ways, but also pushes in a different direction. It could be a great Calibri font style, if you're looking for a web font similar to Calibri.
9. Liber Sans Serif Typeface
This font has a rounder look and feel. If you're looking for type with a Calibri font aesthetic, but a mix of other possibilities too, check this one out.
10. Hando Clean Sans Serif Typeface
This one could prove to be a lovely Calibri font substitute. It has a lot of grotesque inspiration, and it's a strong fit for a number of design projects. Try it as body copy or use it for headlines.
11. Abside Sans Serif Font
This font pushes away from the grotesque and more towards the geometric. However, we still have some rounded, modern vibes here. There are four styles included, and it's a versatile addition to any font collection.
12. GROTESKA: Minimal & Modern Sans-Serif Typeface
Isn't this font family beautifully designed? This Calibri font download includes seven different weights, so there's plenty here to work with. Give this font family a download today.
13. EB Corp Clean Sans Serif Font
This is such an impressive font family. There are an amazing 18 different weights and styles to choose from, so the possibilities here are almost endless. Use this font for so many different purposes.
14. Boilover Unique & Minimal Typeface
This stylish font family also includes web fonts for your website. There are also eight different weights to choose from, so you have plenty of ways to establish hierarchy with this typeface.
15. Ardent Modern Sans Serif Font Family
Here's a modern sans serif typeface with a bit more height. This font family has six different weights and also includes corresponding italics.
16. Bergen Text Sleek Sans Serif Font
If you're looking for a stylish sans serif Calibri font, check this one out. There are six different weights to try. This one could also pair well with a script font or a display font.
17. Lynsic Cisnyl: Sans Serif Font YR
Isn't this font beautifully designed? It has a modern, stylish look. Use it on its own or pair it with other fonts. It has that kind of versatile neutrality to it.
18. Ignazio Clean Sans Serif Font
This font family is really bold, and it's a great fit when you're looking to command attention. Create emphasis in your next composition with this stylish sans serif font today.
How to Pair Fonts
Want to use one of these Calibri font alternatives but also looking for a font pairing with Calibri font styles? This section provides you with suggestions on how to pair fonts successfully.
- First off, remember that fonts have personalities. Some are playful, others serious, stylish, causal, outrageous, etc. This means that the best font pairings should complement each other's personalities as well as your project's style and purpose.
- Avoid combinations that are too similar—instead, aim for contrast in weight, size, style, colour, etc. Think chunky and thin, decorative and simple, heavy and light, etc.
- Aim for a visual hierarchy when choosing a font pairing with Calibri. Decide which font will be used for copy text and which will be used for headlines. For example, if you are using a Calibri font alternative for your copy text, use a more eye-catching font for the headline text.
- Serif and sans serif fonts usually work well together—again, just make sure you remember to keep contrasting features in mind when selecting your pairings.
Now let's take a look at some font pairings with Calibri that work well in the following font pairing charts.
Best Font Pairings for Similar Fonts to Calibri
If you're looking for the best font pairings for fonts like Calibri, check out these stunning font selections from Envato Elements.
Groteska (TTF, OTF, WOFF)
Literacy Serif (TTF, OTF)
Literacy Serif is an excellent font pairing with Calibri font styles like Groteska. The clean and simple lines of Groteska contrast beautifully with the bold strokes and decorative flourishes of Literacy, a perfect font for header text.
Clarity Nuvo (TTF, OTF)
Weigeland (TTF, OTF)
The Clarity Nuvo font is closest to Calibri in Adobe programs and is perfect for body text. Weigeland is an excellent choice when looking for an ideal pairing for this simple font.
Whether you are looking for a body or header text font, you can't find a better pairing than Magnita for Hando. What makes these two so compatible is that they both offer a high degree of legibility, but where the sans serif Hando is all about minimalism and simplicity, the serif Magnita offers a bit more style and flourish.
If you're wondering what font pairing would work best with Carino, check out Signature. Obviously, Signature won't work for every project, but with its flowy curves and bouncing baseline, it offers the perfect contrast to Carino's sharp, straight, clean lines.
Here's a terrific serif that pairs well with the Calibri font alternative Stickler. These two are another one of those versatile pairings that are highly legible and can be used interchangeably for body and header text.
Looking for something a bit special to pair with the Asure font? Well, how about Belinda? This wonderfully decorative font is all about standing out from the crowd, and it's a perfect complement to the more minimalist look of Asure.
Where Gabriella is condensed and quiet, Madeleine is flowing and dramatic, and that's why these two make a great pair.
Grafic (TTF, OTF, WOFF)
Retro Serif Font (TTF, OTF)
Font pairing with Calibri font styles is simple as long as you remember that opposites attract. And these two opposites, Grafic and Retro Serif, most certainly attract. Where Grafic offers the clean and bold lines of the sans serif font, Retro Serif is all about curves and flourishes.
Rockyeah is a stylish sans serif that's perfect for display, and Alchemist is a gorgeous serif that will work beautifully for body text. That makes it a great font pairing with Calibri font styles like Rockyeah.
Without a doubt, the highly legible Boilover is an excellent choice for body text. Mosthat, on the other hand, is a stunning display font that's a terrific choice for creating headlines. These two are one of the best font pairings you can hope for when you're looking for complementary fonts for magazines, websites, branding, and more.
Want to Learn More About Fonts and Typography?
If you're looking to learn more about typography, there are so many free tutorials and articles to check out on Envato Tuts+. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned designer, check out these typography tutorials to help you push your type knowledge further.
The Ultimate Guide to Basic Typography
What Is Expressive Typography?
100 Best Typography & Font Tutorials for Every Designer
Typography in Action: Design Simple & Effective Type Logos
What Fonts Are Trending Now and Font Trends for 2021
Looking for Even More Font Inspiration?
Love checking out new fonts? Then check out these other roundups on Envato Tuts+. There are plenty of other fonts to see, including fabulous free finds, inspired collections, and more. Whether you're looking for a Calibri alternative, fonts like Calibri, or something completely different, there's plenty of font inspiration here.
34 Best Grotesque Fonts (Typefaces Ready to Download)
25+ Best Fancy Fonts With Decorative Alphabet Letters (2023)
15 Best Minimalist Fonts (Clean Modern Fonts to Download Now)
20 Best Art Nouveau Fonts (Stylish Fonts to Download)
39 Best Modern Didone Typefaces (Fonts Similar to Bodoni & Didot)
Which Fonts Like Calibri Are Your Favorites?
So, which sans serif fonts were your favorites? What aspects of Calibri do you find the most visually appealing? Instead of fixating too hard on finding the closest font to Calibri, think about the font's aesthetic qualities and why it appeals to you. There are so many beautifully designed sans serif fonts out there to check out, many of which make use of a similar aesthetic.
Curious about other fonts, their history, and what makes their aesthetic tick? Check out these other free articles from Envato Tuts+.
