Pittsburgh Teen's Typeface Hack Could Save Millions

Suvir Mirchandani's research shows government agencies could cut costs by switching font styles.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 5:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 14-year-old student in Pittsburgh has discovered that government agencies could save an estimated $370 million annually by switching from Times New Roman to the thinner Garamond typeface when printing documents. Suvir Mirchandani's research found the change would significantly reduce ink and paper costs without impacting readability.

Why it matters

As government budgets remain tight, Mirchandani's findings highlight a simple, cost-effective solution that could help agencies stretch their limited resources further. The discovery also demonstrates how small changes in design and technology can have a big impact on operational efficiency and sustainability.

The details

Mirchandani, a high school freshman, conducted the research as a science fair project. He calculated the potential savings by analyzing font sizes, ink usage, and paper consumption for common government documents. The thinner Garamond font requires up to 24% less ink than Times New Roman, which could translate to millions in annual savings for federal, state, and local agencies.

  • Mirchandani's research was conducted as a science fair project in 2022.

The players

Suvir Mirchandani

A 14-year-old high school student in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who discovered that government agencies could save millions by switching from Times New Roman to the thinner Garamond typeface when printing documents.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This study shows a way for government to save money and help the environment. Every penny counts, and this adds up quickly.”

— Suvir Mirchandani, Student Researcher

What’s next

Mirchandani plans to present his findings to local government officials in Pittsburgh to encourage the adoption of the Garamond font across city and county agencies.

The takeaway

Mirchandani's innovative research demonstrates how small, thoughtful design choices can lead to significant cost savings and sustainability improvements, even at the government level. His work highlights the value of empowering young people to tackle real-world problems through STEM education.