Calibre, designed by Kris Sowersby at Klim Type Foundry, is a geometric sans-serif with roots in mid-20th-century modernism. Inspired by iconic designs like Johnston and Transport, it balances geometric precision with a subtle warmth, making it highly versatile for branding, editorial, and signage. Its human touch distinguishes it from colder geometric types like Futura, while still keeping a modern, rationalist voice.
Because of its premium licensing, many designers search for alternatives that capture its same mix of modern geometry and functional warmth. Fortunately, there are several strong options — both paid and free — that deliver a similar balance.
Here are 7 fonts similar to Calibre.
Visual Comparison
Sample Text: The Quick Brown Fox Jumps Over The Lazy Dog
| Font | Preview |
|---|---|
| Calibre | Image preview here |
| Circular | Image preview here |
| GT Walsheim | Image preview here |
| Avenir Next | Image preview here |
| Maison Neue | Image preview here |
| Inter | Image preview here |
| Work Sans | Image preview here |
| Nunito Sans | Image preview here |
Premium Alternatives
1. Circular (Lineto, 2013)
Style: Geometric sans
Why It’s Similar: Shares Calibre’s geometric core with subtle friendliness.
Key Difference: Slightly rounder terminals, giving it a softer voice.
Price & Availability: Paid — Lineto.
2. GT Walsheim (Grilli Type, 2010)
Style: Geometric sans
Why It’s Similar: Swiss-inspired geometry with similar approachable balance.
Key Difference: A bit more playful and characterful than Calibre.
Price & Availability: Paid — Grilli Type.
3. Avenir Next (Adrian Frutiger, 1988/2004)
Style: Geometric-humanist hybrid
Why It’s Similar: Rational geometry combined with humanist proportions.
Key Difference: More open counters, making it feel airier than Calibre.
Price & Availability: Paid — Linotype/Monotype.
4. Maison Neue (Timo Gaessner, 2012)
Style: Neo-grotesque geometric
Why It’s Similar: Minimal, rational design with clean geometry.
Key Difference: A touch more neutral compared to Calibre’s warmth.
Price & Availability: Paid — Milieu Grotesque.
Free Alternatives
5. Inter (Rasmus Andersson, 2017)
Style: Screen-optimized sans
Why It’s Similar: Clean, geometric clarity with wide digital usability.
Key Difference: More tailored for UI than editorial or print.
Price & Availability: Free — Google Fonts.
6. Work Sans (Wei Huang, 2015)
Style: Sans-serif, geometric influence
Why It’s Similar: Neutral, flexible, and contemporary like Calibre.
Key Difference: Slightly more open and modern in tone.
Price & Availability: Free — Google Fonts.
7. Nunito Sans (Vernon Adams, Jacques Le Bailly, 2016)
Style: Rounded geometric sans
Why It’s Similar: Shares Calibre’s approachable feel and geometric structure.
Key Difference: Softer, with round terminals adding friendliness.
Price & Availability: Free — Google Fonts.
Recommendation Summary Table
| Font Name | Similarity Score | Free/Paid | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circular | ★★★★★ | Paid | Branding, digital, editorial |
| GT Walsheim | ★★★★★ | Paid | Playful corporate identities |
| Avenir Next | ★★★★☆ | Paid | Clean corporate and print design |
| Maison Neue | ★★★★☆ | Paid | Minimalist branding |
| Inter | ★★★★☆ | Free | Digital interfaces and apps |
| Work Sans | ★★★★☆ | Free | Websites and startups |
| Nunito Sans | ★★★★☆ | Free | Friendly branding and UI |
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the closest premium matches to Calibre, Circular and GT Walsheim provide nearly identical geometric warmth. For something with wider corporate appeal, Avenir Next and Maison Neue are strong options. And if you’re on a budget, Inter and Work Sans offer excellent open-source substitutes with a similarly clean, versatile voice.
Typeface Similar to Font 