serif · OFL-1.1 · Variable (100-900)
Use Case
Best Fonts for Academic Writing
Typography for academic papers, research publications, and scholarly documents. Academic fonts prioritize long-form readability, clear citations, and professional presentation in thesis and journal formats.
8 free fonts | 17 premium to replace | Updated: Jan 2026
Free Fonts for Academic
Open-source fonts perfect for academic projects.
serif · OFL-1.1 · 2 weights
Premium Academic Fonts You Can Replace
Popular premium fonts for academic with free open-source alternatives.
Baskerville
transitional refined readable
Century Schoolbook
transitional readable academic
Palatino
old-style calligraphic readable
Times New Roman
transitional classic readable
Frequently Asked Questions
What fonts are acceptable for academic papers?
Most academic institutions accept Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri in 12pt. For theses, serif fonts aid extended reading—consider EB Garamond or Libre Baskerville for elegance beyond Times. Check your institution's style guide, as some specify exact fonts. Chicago, APA, and MLA each have typography recommendations.
Should academic writing use serif or sans-serif fonts?
Serif fonts traditionally dominate academic publishing because they facilitate sustained reading. However, sans-serifs like Calibri are increasingly accepted, especially for screen-first submissions. Scientific papers often use sans-serif for figures and serif for text. Follow your journal or institution's requirements.
What free fonts work well for academic documents?
EB Garamond provides scholarly elegance that improves on Times New Roman. Source Serif Pro offers modern readability with academic gravitas. For sans-serif requirements, Source Sans Pro or Inter work well. Ensure your chosen font includes true italics for proper emphasis and citations.