Anatomy of the Letter E

The letter E shows two very different personalities in its uppercase and lowercase forms. You build the uppercase E with straight, structural strokes, while you shape the lowercase e with curves and an enclosed inner space. When you understand how each version is put together, you can draw cleaner forms, balance proportions more confidently, and catch spacing issues faster in your lettering.

Uppercase LETTER E

The uppercase E is an architectural letter made entirely from straight strokes. Its clarity comes from the relationship between one vertical stem and three horizontal arms.

Stem: The main vertical stroke that forms the backbone of the letter.
Arms: The horizontal strokes extending from the stem (top, middle, and bottom)
Middle arm (bar): Usually shorter than the top and bottom arms for visual balance.
Beak: A small decorative spur or angled finish sometimes found at the ends of the arms in serif styles
Serifs (optional): Small finishing strokes on the ends of the arms and stem in serif typefaces
Terminals: Clean stroke endings where no serif is present

💡Pro Tip: Serif vs. Beak – A serif is a small finishing stroke, like a little “foot,” added to the end of a letter’s line. A beak is more dramatic and pointed. It’s a sharp, triangular, or hook-like detail that extends from the end of a horizontal arm, often seen on letters like E, F, T, or a lowercase r. Think of it this way: every beak is a stylized type of serif, but not every serif has that bold, pointy beak shape.

LOWERCASE LETTER E

The lowercase e is more fluid and is defined by a curved stroke combined with a horizontal bar that creates an enclosed space.

Counter: The enclosed white space.
Eye: The specialized term for the counter in a lowercase e.
Bar (or crossbar): The horizontal stroke that forms and partially closes the eye.
Aperture: The open space at the lower right where the stroke does not fully close.
Finial: The tapered or curved end of the lower stroke.

Because uppercase E is all straight lines and lowercase e is mostly curves, this letter pair is excellent practice for switching between rigid structure and smooth stroke control in your lettering work.

HELPFUL LINKS

Want to learn how to draw each letter in three foundational styles?

Ready to get more playful with your styles?

I’ve got you covered. Check out the links below!

Hand Lettering the Alphabet: A-Z. A free video series covering how to draw every letter in three foundational styles.
The Anatomy of Letters: An A–Z Guide
Ready to level up? Check out my 12 Playful Lettering Styles.