Font comparison
Cairo vs Alexandria: Arabic Font Delivery
Compare Cairo and Alexandria by exact Arabic WOFF2 bytes, mixed-script totals and variable files, using the August 23 snapshot and declared coverage checks.
Quick answer
Alexandria is the smallest measured set
At 25.1 KB for Arabic regular and bold, it is the lightest option in this comparison. Size is one decision input—not proof of better readability, rendering, or overall product fit. Choose between two Sans families with close static totals, checking whether either variable file saves bytes for a two-weight interface.
Measured comparison
| Font | Arabic 400 + 700 | Arabic + Latin | Variable | Coverage | Starting role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo | 26.6 KB | 56.2 KB | 30.2 KB | 7/7 | UI and display |
| Alexandria | 25.1 KB | 50.5 KB | 30.6 KB | 7/7 | Contemporary UI and display |
How to decide
- 1. Shortlist by role.
Match interface, reading, or display needs before bytes.
- 2. Compare exact delivery.
Include every subset and weight the product will ship.
- 3. Test real Arabic copy.
Review dense UI, long text, digits, and mixed-script lines.
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View the complete 20-font benchmark →Open every measured font profile →Read the best Arabic web fonts guide →