After using a period that follows an abbreviation, how many spaces should you leave?

In contemporary typing and formatting practices, it is standard to leave one space after a period that follows an abbreviation. This guideline helps maintain clarity and readability in written documents. Leaving one space ensures that the beginning of the next sentence is clearly distinguishable, which is especially important for conveying information effectively.

Over time, the convention of using two spaces after sentences has diminished in favor of the single space, as most modern styles and digital formats promote this practice for a cleaner appearance. In certain contexts, particularly in specific formatting styles or traditional print media, two spaces after a period might have been observed, but as the standards have evolved, the preference has shifted towards only one space.

This shift reflects a broader trend in typography that prioritizes simplicity and efficiency in digital communication. Therefore, when considering modern keyboarding standards, leaving one space after a period following an abbreviation is both correct and recommended.