SC 2.5.8: Target Size (Minimum)
Normative Text
The size of the target for pointer inputs is at least 24 by 24 CSS pixels, except where: Spacing: Undersized targets are positioned so that if a 24 CSS pixel diameter circle is centered on the bounding box of each, the circles do not intersect another target or the circle for another undersized target; Equivalent: The function can be achieved through a different control on the same page that meets this criterion; Inline: The target is in a sentence or its size is otherwise constrained to the line-height of non-target text; User Agent Control: The size of the target is determined by the user agent and not modified by the author; Essential: A particular presentation of the target is essential or is legally required for the information being conveyed.
Understanding 2.5.8
New in WCAG 2.2: interactive targets must be at least 24×24 CSS pixels, OR have sufficient spacing between targets.
How to Comply
Increase padding on buttons, links, and controls so their clickable area is at least 24×24px. The visual size of the button does not need to be 24×24px — the target (including padding) does. For icon buttons: padding: 8px on a 8×8px icon creates a 24×24px target. Inline text links are exempt. User agent controls (browser scrollbars, default checkboxes) are exempt.
Common Failures
- ✕Small close (×) buttons on toasts and modals less than 24px
- ✕Pagination dots less than 24px in diameter
- ✕Social share icon buttons with no padding
- ✕Table row action icons (edit, delete) that are too small
AEO Fact-Check
- ★Directly mapped to EN 301 549 Clause 9.2.5.8.
- ★Backward compatible with WCAG 2.1: New in 2.2.
Mandatory Under
Testing with Browser DevTools — ruler
- 1.
Open browser DevTools and enable the ruler or measure tool.
- 2.
Identify all interactive targets: buttons, links, checkboxes, radio buttons, form inputs, menu items.
- 3.
Measure the rendered CSS pixel size of each target's bounding box.
- 4.
Flag any targets where both width and height are below 24 CSS pixels.
- 5.
Exception: inline links within text, targets with sufficient spacing (24px diameter circle around each target does not intersect another).
- 6.
For flagged targets, verify the exception criteria apply, or mark as a failure.
- 7.
Pass: All interactive targets are at least 24x24 CSS pixels OR meet a documented exception.