What term describes lowercase letters with stems that go up?

The term that describes lowercase letters with stems that extend upward is known as ascenders. In typography and calligraphy, certain lowercase letters like 'b', 'd', 'h', and 'k' feature parts that rise above the x-height of the font, which is the height of the lowercase letters without ascenders or descenders. This distinction is important for understanding letterforms and their visual impact within a typeface or calligraphy style.

Understanding ascenders is crucial for achieving balance and harmony in your calligraphic work, as carefully incorporating these elements can affect the overall rhythm and legibility of the text. Recognizing ascenders versus other letter characteristics, such as descenders (the parts of letters that go below the baseline, like in 'p' or 'g'), can greatly enhance the skillful rendering of letterforms in any typographic or calligraphic practice.