Microgramma is a geometric sans-serif typeface designed in 1952 by Aldo Novarese and Alessandro Butti for the Nebiolo foundry in Italy. Originally released as an all-caps display font, it became popular in industrial and futuristic settings. Its square proportions, extended width, and sharp precision made it a go-to choice for sci-fi aesthetics, aerospace branding, and technical displays. Microgramma later inspired Eurostile, which added lowercase characters and became even more widely adopted.
Why Designers Love It
Designers admire Microgramma for its clean, futuristic geometry and industrial feel. Its bold, squared design conveys strength, innovation, and authority, making it popular in branding, technology, automotive, and film titles. While limited in versatility due to its original all-caps format, its distinct voice makes it stand out wherever strong, futuristic impact is required.
7 Fonts Similar to Microgramma
1. Eurostile
- Style: Geometric square sans-serif
- Why It’s Similar: Directly evolved from Microgramma, with added lowercase.
- Key Difference: More versatile for text use due to lowercase support.
- Price & Availability: Commercial (Linotype / Monotype).
2. Bank Gothic
- Style: Rectilinear sans-serif
- Why It’s Similar: Similar squared architecture and futuristic tone.
- Key Difference: More condensed with sharper edges.
- Price & Availability: Commercial (Monotype).
3. Square 721
- Style: Square sans-serif
- Why It’s Similar: Strongly geometric with technical proportions.
- Key Difference: Optimized for digital use, smoother forms.
- Price & Availability: Commercial (Bitstream / Monotype).
4. Orbitron
- Style: Futuristic geometric sans-serif
- Why It’s Similar: Square digital aesthetic similar to Microgramma.
- Key Difference: More angular and stylized, designed for screens.
- Price & Availability: Free (Google Fonts).
5. Ethnocentric
- Style: Techno display sans-serif
- Why It’s Similar: Shares modular, rectilinear forms.
- Key Difference: More exaggerated, dramatic strokes.
- Price & Availability: Commercial (Typodermic).
6. Exo 2
- Style: Contemporary geometric sans-serif
- Why It’s Similar: Clean, futuristic proportions echoing Microgramma.
- Key Difference: Softer, rounded corners for digital readability.
- Price & Availability: Free (Google Fonts).
7. Qanelas Soft
- Style: Geometric sans-serif with rounded terminals
- Why It’s Similar: Wide, square-inspired shapes.
- Key Difference: Softer, more humanist tone.
- Price & Availability: Commercial (Fontfabric).
Visual Comparison
| Font Name | Preview Text |
|---|---|
| Microgramma | TECH FUTURE 2025 |
| Eurostile | TECH FUTURE 2025 |
| Bank Gothic | TECH FUTURE 2025 |
| Square 721 | TECH FUTURE 2025 |
| Orbitron | TECH FUTURE 2025 |
| Ethnocentric | TECH FUTURE 2025 |
| Exo 2 | TECH FUTURE 2025 |
| Qanelas Soft | TECH FUTURE 2025 |
Recommendation Summary Table
| Alternative | Similarity Score | Best For | Price & Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eurostile | 98% | Professional branding, signage | Commercial |
| Bank Gothic | 90% | Tech branding, futuristic displays | Commercial |
| Square 721 | 88% | Digital interfaces, editorial | Commercial |
| Orbitron | 85% | Free web and screen design | Free |
| Ethnocentric | 83% | Sci-fi posters, games, entertainment | Commercial |
| Exo 2 | 82% | Apps, UI, digital branding | Free |
| Qanelas Soft | 80% | Corporate branding, softer tech feel | Commercial |
Conclusion
Microgramma remains one of the most influential square sans-serif typefaces, paving the way for modern sci-fi and industrial design aesthetics. For designers seeking close professional-grade alternatives, Eurostile, Bank Gothic, and Square 721 are the top choices. For budget-friendly or free options, Orbitron and Exo 2 deliver futuristic geometry without cost, while Ethnocentric and Qanelas Soft provide unique stylistic twists.
Typeface Similar to Font 