Anatomy of the Letter R

The letter R starts with the same structure as the letter P, then adds one extra stroke that changes everything. That diagonal leg gives the letter movement and personality. In uppercase, R feels bold and structured. In lowercase, it becomes much simpler, built from a stem and a small shoulder.

Uppercase LETTER R

The uppercase R combines a strong vertical stem, a rounded top, and a diagonal leg.

Stem: The main vertical stroke that anchors the letter.
Bowl: The curved top section that extends from the stem, similar to the bowl of a P. Sometimes referred to as the lobe.
Counter (closed): The fully enclosed white space inside the bowl.
Leg: The diagonal stroke that extends down and to the right from the bowl to the baseline. Also sometimes referred to as the tail, but the leg is more common.
Terminal: The end of a stem/stroke when no serif is present.
Serifs (optional): Small finishing strokes on the stem or at the end of the leg in serif styles.

💡Pro Tip: That diagonal leg is what gives the uppercase R its energy. The angle and length of that stroke can completely change the look of the letter.

LowerCase LETTER R

The lowercase r is much more compact. It’s built from one vertical stroke and a small curved shoulder.

Stem: The vertical stroke on the left.
Shoulder: The curved stroke that rises from the top of the stem and moves to the right.
Terminal: The end of the stroke in sans serif styles, which may be flat, rounded, or slightly angled.
Serifs (optional): Small finishing strokes at the base of the stem or the end of the shoulder in serif styles

💡Pro Tip: Because the lowercase r is so minimal, even small details like the curve of the shoulder or the shape of the terminal can dramatically affect the overall style of the letter.

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.