UI spacing guide

Introduction

When it comes to UI design, spacing might seem simple—but it’s actually one of the trickiest parts to get right. Many designers rely on instinct or “what looks right,” and while that sometimes works, it often leads to inconsistent and messy layouts.

Each product has its own spacing rhythm. There’s no one-size-fits-all rulebook—but there are proven systems and best practices that make the job easier.

One such system is the 8-point grid. It simplifies decision-making, reduces inconsistencies, and gives your design a more polished, professional feel. In this guide, we’ll break down how to use it effectively, how to manage spacing relationships between elements, and how to make your spacing dynamic and adaptable.

What is the 8-Point Grid System?

The 8-point grid system is a layout principle used to ensure consistent spacing and alignment in design. The idea is simple: base your spacing increments on 8. That means margins, paddings, and gaps increase or decrease in multiples of 8 — like 8, 16, 24, 32 pixels, and so on.

Why 8?

• It aligns perfectly with most device screen sizes.

• It maps well with common type sizes and UI components.

• It plays nicely with developers, especially when using rem (where 1 rem = 16px).

Benefits

• Consistency: Keeps your spacing visually harmonious across all screens.

• Efficiency: Reduces the number of decisions you have to make.

• Developer-friendly: It’s easy to translate into code.

Note: Some designers use a 4-point grid for finer control. That’s okay for complex designs with tiny elements, but for most UI work, the 8-point system is easier to manage and scale.

Understanding Spacing Relationships (aka “Spacing Friendship”)

To space things intentionally, you need to understand the relationships between elements. This idea is rooted in the proximity principle — items that are close together are perceived as related.

Think of Spacing Like Friendships:

• Best Friends: Elements that belong together (like a title and description). Use tight spacing (e.g. 8px).

• Friends: Related but separate items (like a card image and button). Use medium spacing (e.g. 16px).

• Acquaintances: Separate sections (like the card itself and surrounding content). Use larger spacing (e.g. 24px or more).

This helps create visual hierarchy, making the interface easier to scan and interact with.

Example: Card Component

• Title + Description: 8px (Best Friends)

• Image + Button + Tags: 16px (Friends)

• Card Padding: 24px (Groups everything together)

Spacing is Relative

Spacing isn’t always fixed—it’s influenced by the size of your content, especially text. Most spacing systems assume a base font size of 16px, but if your design uses larger type (like in a hero section), you’ll need to scale your spacing to match.

How to Adjust:

f your smallest font size is 32px:

• Best Friend Spacing: Half of that = 16px

• Casual Friend Spacing: 1.5x or 2x = 48px or 64px

This ensures the layout still “breathes” even when everything is scaled up.

How to Create Dynamic Spacing

To make your spacing flexible, build it around a base unit, often called x.

Define x based on text size:

• Standard: x = 1 × font size

• Spacious: x = 1.25 × font size

• Compact: x = 0.75 × font size

For example, if your smallest text is 16px and you want extra breathing room:
x = 1.25 × 16 = 20px

This lets you adapt spacing to the design context while staying consistent.

Dynamic Card Example:

• Tight layout: x = 12px

• Spacious layout: x = 24px

• Same components — different feel!

The Power of Consistency

While spacing is flexible, consistency is key.

The more spacing values you use, the harder it becomes to maintain and scale your design. So limit your options and stick to a system — ideally the 8-point grid.

Pro Tips:

• Define 2–3 spacing “tiers” (e.g. 8, 16, 24) and use them everywhere.

• Use consistent “friendship levels” throughout your project.

• Reserve exceptions for special sections like hero banners or footers.

Spending a few hours upfront on a spacing guide can save you weeks of cleanup later.

Final Thoughts

To wrap it all up:

• Use the 8-point grid system to create a consistent, scalable foundation.

• Apply the principle of proximity to build meaningful spacing relationships.

• Use the x constant to adapt your spacing dynamically.

• And above all—be consistent.

Spacing is more than just empty space—it’s a communication tool. Mastering it means creating interfaces that feel clean, balanced, and intuitive.