diff --git a/templates/md-to-pdf/default/template.typ b/templates/md-to-pdf/default/template.typ
index 6b1fb76..4950b6c 100644
--- a/templates/md-to-pdf/default/template.typ
+++ b/templates/md-to-pdf/default/template.typ
@@ -86,8 +86,9 @@
   // Body rhythm: spacing > leading; first-line indent = Typst default (none)
   set par(justify: true, leading: 0.78em, spacing: 1.12em)
 
-  set list(indent: 1.2em, body-indent: 0.45em, spacing: 0.62em)
-  set enum(indent: 1.2em, body-indent: 0.45em, spacing: 0.62em)
+  // List rhythm: spacing ≥ leading (0.78em), looser than line height for readability
+  set list(indent: 1.2em, body-indent: 0.45em, spacing: 0.90em)
+  set enum(indent: 1.2em, body-indent: 0.45em, spacing: 0.90em)
 
   // Headings: slightly tighter than long-form (manual/textbook) because H1 is 16pt here
   show heading.where(level: 1): it => {
diff --git a/templates/md-to-pdf/manual/template.typ b/templates/md-to-pdf/manual/template.typ
index b946750..2e5c135 100644
--- a/templates/md-to-pdf/manual/template.typ
+++ b/templates/md-to-pdf/manual/template.typ
@@ -100,8 +100,9 @@
     number-align: right,
   )
 
-  set list(tight: true, indent: 1.2em, body-indent: 0.45em, spacing: 0.52em)
-  set enum(tight: true, indent: 1.2em, body-indent: 0.45em, spacing: 0.52em)
+  // Tight list: spacing close to leading (0.76em) but not below it
+  set list(tight: true, indent: 1.2em, body-indent: 0.45em, spacing: 0.72em)
+  set enum(tight: true, indent: 1.2em, body-indent: 0.45em, spacing: 0.72em)
 
   // Same heading vertical scale as textbook (long-form); H sizes differ by template
   show heading.where(level: 1): it => {