Best Fonts for PowerPoint Presentations 

Unless you have a lot of experience with it or are just naturally gifted, the design aspect of creating a PowerPoint presentation can be overwhelming. One part in particular that people get hung up on is the font. 

There are a lot of fonts to choose from… Almost too many, in fact. That’s why we’re glad you’re here. We’ll help you understand the best fonts to use for your PowerPoint presentations. Keep in mind that this isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing. Some fonts will work better for certain presentations or audiences. We’ll explore that, too. 

Why Font Choice Matters in PowerPoint 

A font is more than just a design choice. It affects readability, tone and even perceived credibility. If your audience is squinting to read your slide titles or if your body text looks like it belongs in a wedding invitation, you’ve got a font problem (unless you actually are giving a presentation at a wedding). 

PowerPoint isn’t just about looking pretty. It’s a communication tool. And your font is one of your most powerful tools for getting your message across clearly and effectively. So choose wisely. 

What Makes a Font “Good” for PowerPoint? 

Before we get into some font options, it’s important to understand what makes a font “good” for your PowerPoint presentation. As mentioned, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some basic rules of thumb: 

• Clarity over style – Fancy fonts might look cool in a logo but fall apart when used for full sentences on a slide. Avoid fonts that look like handwriting or cursive. 

• Consistency – Stick to one or two fonts max. Switching fonts constantly makes your slides look chaotic. Many presentations will effectively use two fonts… one for headings and another for body text. 

• Tone-appropriate – A startup pitch deck will probably use a different font than a medical research presentation. 

• Legibility at a distance – Remember, not everyone will be sitting right in front of your screen. Choose a font that will still look good at a minimum size of 18 points. 

According to Microsoft, the most popular fonts used in PowerPoint presentations are Calibri, Tahoma, Arial, Verdana and Palatino Linotype… and for good reason. Many of those make our list for the best fonts to use in your presentation. With those in mind, let’s talk about some fonts that hit the sweet spot. 

Best PowerPoint Fonts for Presentations 

Professional 

If you want to keep things professional, here are some safe choices that are easy to read and give a clear message. 

Calibri 

Let’s start with the obvious one. Calibri was actually once the default Microsoft PowerPoint font. While it doesn’t have a lot of personality, it’s readable, balanced and widely available. Think of it as the Toyota Camry of fonts… dependable, even if it’s not exciting. 

Best for: general business presentations, corporate decks, reports. 

Arial 

Another classic. Arial is sans-serif and clean, which makes it easy to read on screens of all sizes. It’s everywhere, which can be a downside if you’re trying to stand out, but if you need something safe and universally compatible, it’s a solid choice. Think of it like Helvetica. 

Best for: formal reports and when presenting on complex tech. 

Verdana 

Designed specifically for screens, Verdana has wide spacing and clear letters that hold up well even at small sizes. It’s a great option for presentations where readability is key. 

Best for: long slide decks, small text, accessibility-focused presentations. 

Aptos 

This is Microsoft’s new default, replacing Calibr in recent years. Aptos has a modern, slightly more geometric feel. It reads cleanly but looks just a bit more contemporary than Arial or Calibri. 

Best for: updated corporate templates, tech-focused presentations. 

Segoe UI 

This is the font behind many Microsoft interfaces. It feels familiar, professional, and modern without being flashy. It also pairs well with icons and minimalist layouts. 

Best for: software demos, UI mockups, or any PowerPoint that mimics app-like visuals. 

Fonts with Personality 

None of these are all that exciting, but if you want to add a little personality to your presentation without risking using a font that is hard to read, these are some great options. 

Candara 

Candara is a sans-serif with subtle curves and a feel that’s warmer than Arial or Calibri. It keeps things professional but still fresh. It’s perfect for lighter, modern decks. 

Best for: startups, training decks, internal updates.

Corbel 

Clean and modern with just a hint of personality, Corbel is versatile. It’s strong enough for headings but doesn’t feel out of place in body text either. Think of it as the middle ground between sterile and stylized. 

Best for: tech presentations, product overviews, marketing teams. 

Trebuchet MS 

Trebuchet MS brings some character without going off the rails. It has more personality than Verdana or Tahoma but is still great for the web and PowerPoint. It’s especially effective when you want to stand out a little without risking looking unprofessional. 

Best for: creative agencies, pitch decks, informal client presentations. 

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Fonts to Avoid in PowerPoint 

Of course, there are great fonts to use, as well as a wide range of fonts somewhere in the middle that are just OK, and then there are some fonts that you really should avoid at all costs. What sometimes happens is someone tries to get a little too creative, and they opt for a font that really isn’t suited for a PowerPoint. 

• Comic Sans – You already know. 

• Papyrus – Unless you’re James Cameron pitching Avatar 8, leave it alone. 

• Brush Script – Decorative fonts are usually too hard to read, especially from a distance. 

• Times New Roman – It’s fine for print, but on slides it often looks too tight and old-school. It’s not the worst, but you can do better. 

Remember that fonts aren’t decoration. They’re a communication tool. A good PowerPoint font supports your content, doesn’t distract from it and looks good on every screen. Whether you’re sticking to classics like Calibri or experimenting with something unique like UD Digi Kyokasho, the key is readability, tone and consistency.