Where kerning fixes one specific pair, tracking adds or removes the same amount of space across an entire word or sentence. Positive tracking on all-caps logotypes or headlines feels spacious and premium; too much negative tracking on small body text crowds letters together and hurts legibility.
In CSS, set `letter-spacing` in `em` so it scales proportionally with font size. A common range is `0.05em–0.15em` for all-caps headlines and `0.02em–0.05em` for small labels.
Widening tracking on small body copy breaks reading flow, so it's usually reserved for short, emphasised text — all-caps titles, labels, buttons.
When to use
Positive tracking for all-caps headlines, logos, and badge labels. Keep body paragraphs at the default (normal).