Usage

Use a statistic to represent a data point that users can consume quickly. Statistics help users trust our page content, so use them strategically because there is a balance between using some and too many. If a layout has lots of content in different arrangements, using a statistic should offer users a visual break or respite.

Footnote

Include a footnote on every page especially if a statistic comes from an external source. Doing this increases the credibility of the statistic and better integrates the data with the rest of the page content.

A statistic with a small text footnote underneath

Icons

Use an icon to add visual context and emphasis while helping to explain a statistic further.

Two statistics with icons; the left statistic has a fighter jet icon on top whereas the right has a wrench

Large icon

There are situations where a large icon is used in place of data text and the data point is written into the body text. This is an edge case, so work with a content strategist to write short data text and body text or use another element instead.

Three statistics with large icons and body text

Writing content

Statistic text is meant to be short so it can have impact especially when statistics are grouped together. It is recommended to write as few words as possible for text styles.

  • Title text - do not allow title text to break to two lines in any environment
  • Data text - if a percent or number includes a decimal, round up to decrease the character count
  • Body text - be mindful of using too many words considering how statistics look when grouped
  • Call to action text - use fewer words to avoid taking away impact and focus when reading

Character and line counts

Element Character count Line count
Title text 20 1
Data text 7 1
Body text 100 2
Call to action text 30 1

Title text

Title text is used to add quantitative emphasis or help explain data text. Include title text if using data text alone does not make sense. In the example below, if the data text 40 was by itself, then text title would be needed to describe what 40 pertains to or else the statistic would not make sense.

Helpful tip

Title text can be positioned above or below data text even if statistics are grouped.

Two statistics, one with title text above the data text and the other with title text below data text

Data text

Data text is the number or percent that represents data.

Two statistics with different data text percents

Body text

Body text explains data text. A percent or number means nothing without something that explains the rest of the statistic.

Two statistics with different body text examples

Call to action text

Use a call to action to entice users to learn more after they read a statistic. If statistics are grouped, it is not mandatory for each statistic to include a call to action.

Statistic with a call to action

Internationalization

Translated text can increase or decrease character counts, line length, and the number of lines. Be mindful when writing body text that might get translated. This is important for statistics used in groups as more words will cause them to be arranged closer to each other therefore reducing any comfortable spacing around them.

Two statistics with English on top and German on the bottom; the English statistic has two lines of body text whereas the German has three
Two statistics with English on top and Chinese on the bottom; the English statistic body text is wider whereas the Chinese is thinner

Layout

Grouping

The minimum number of statistics per row is one and the maximum is four regardless if they are in a container or not.

Four statistics arranged evenly-spaced on a 12-column grid

Card

A statistic can be placed in a card if the body text or other text styles are short enough. Otherwise, keep them on the page to avoid readability issues.

Four statistics placed in cards and arranged evenly-spaced on a 12-column grid

Alignment

By default, a statistic is always center aligned. However, a statistic may be left aligned if grouped and if the surrounding content is also left aligned.

Three statistics left aligned with vertical dashed lines on the left side of each

Padding

The page grid usually determines the space between blocks or containers of content, but in most situations, it is 32px on large breakpoints. On small breakpoints, the padding is 48px for better vertical rhythm.

Two groups of statistics; one group has 32px of padding with text underneath that says ‘Large breakpoints’, the other group has 48px of padding with text underneath that says ‘Small breakpoints’

Responsive design

Large breakpoints

If only one statistic is used, it can span a maximum of six columns.

Statistic spanning less than six columns with a box around the body copy spanning six columns

Small breakpoints

Statistics arranged in a row on large breakpoints will stack on small breakpoints. Text sizes will also be reduced based on the mobile typography scale.

Three statistics spanning the width of one column on mobile

Best practices

Custom statistic

Do not duplicate or rearrange any element to create a custom statistic.

Statistic with some elements arranged horizontally and some vertically which is incorrect usage

Unrelated icon

Do not use an icon that is unrelated to the rest of the statistic content.

Statistic with a crab icon on top of text which is incorrect usage

Inconsistent elements

Keep statistics consistent when grouping. Either use the same number of elements for all statistics or do not use them at all. For example, if a statistic has an icon and the others do not, either remove the icon or ensure they all have an icon.

Three statistics with different element combinations with is incorrect usage

Too much text

Do not include too much body text, a statistic should clarify a single data point quickly and with impact, not tell a long story.

Statistic with data text and long lines of body text which is incorrect usage
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