2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum)

What WCAG 2.5.8 Requires

Pointer targets (buttons, links, form controls) must be at least 24 by 24 CSS pixels, or have enough spacing from neighboring targets, unless an exception applies (like inline text links).

New to this criterion? Read our plain-English guide, WCAG 2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum) Explained in Plain English, with examples and code.

Can AccessBell Test This Automatically?

Yes. AccessBell's scanner runs axe-core, which includes 1 rule that catch code-level failures of this criterion:

• target-size — Ensure touch targets have sufficient size and space (details (opens in a new tab))

This criterion is included in: WCAG 2.2 AA Checker.

How to Test It by Hand

Measure small interactive elements, especially icon buttons, and confirm they are at least 24x24 pixels or have sufficient spacing from other targets.

Common Failures

• A row of small icon buttons (edit, delete, share) are each smaller than 24x24 pixels with no spacing between them.

Example Fix

1. Make targets at least 24 by 24 CSS pixels. Or leave enough space around smaller targets that a 24px circle would not overlap another one.
2. Grow the hit area, not the icon. Padding increases the clickable area without changing the design.

/* Correct: 16px icon with a 24px-plus hit area */
.icon-button {
  min-width: 24px;
  min-height: 24px;
  padding: 8px;
}

/* Correct: spacing between small inline links */
.tag-list a { margin-inline: 6px; }

Related Criteria in Input Modalities

• 2.5.1 Pointer GesturesLevel A · WCAG 2.1
• 2.5.2 Pointer CancellationLevel A · WCAG 2.1
• 2.5.3 Label in NameLevel A · WCAG 2.1
• 2.5.4 Motion ActuationLevel A · WCAG 2.1
• 2.5.5 Target Size (Enhanced)Level AAA · WCAG 2.1
• 2.5.6 Concurrent Input MechanismsLevel AAA · WCAG 2.1
• 2.5.7 Dragging MovementsLevel AA · WCAG 2.2

WCAG 2.5.8 Questions