When a lowercase "r" is written in Gothic, how many pen widths tall should it be?

In Gothic calligraphy, the height of individual letters is often determined by a specific set of proportions relative to the pen width. For a lowercase "r," which is a tall and slender character, the recommended height is typically five pen widths. This proportion allows the letter to maintain a clear and legible structure while fitting harmoniously into the overall design of Gothic script, which emphasizes verticality and sharp angles.

In Gothic writing, using five pen widths for the lowercase "r" also aligns with the visual balance seen in other lowercase letters, aiding in maintaining consistency throughout the text. This height ensures that the letter is distinguishable without overwhelming the surrounding letters, contributing to the elegance and clarity that Gothic calligraphy is known for.

Choosing a different height, such as three pen widths, would result in an overly small character that could be difficult to read, while heights of seven or nine pen widths would make the character disproportionately large compared to other characters, disrupting the visual harmony of the script. Thus, five pen widths is the ideal choice for maintaining the aesthetic and functional qualities of Gothic calligraphy.