Resource guide
2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum)
Interactive targets must be at least 24 by 24 CSS pixels in size, or have sufficient spacing from adjacent targets.
By Calling All Minds·Last updated April 2026
Success criterion
Conformance level
Legal standard — required for EAA compliance.
Added in WCAG 2.2
What it means
Small touch targets are a significant barrier for users with motor impairments, tremors, or larger fingers. This new WCAG 2.2 criterion sets a minimum size of 24 by 24 CSS pixels for interactive targets.
An alternative to meeting the size requirement is to ensure that targets smaller than 24 by 24 pixels have enough spacing around them so that the total area (target plus spacing) is at least 24 by 24 pixels. This allows small visual targets while still providing an adequate activation area.
In practice
Set a minimum size of 24px height and width on all buttons, links, and interactive controls.
For icon-only buttons smaller than 24px, add padding to reach the minimum activation area.
Check that targets spaced closely together have enough combined spacing to meet the requirement.
Common failures
- Icon button that is 16 by 16 pixels with no padding and adjacent targets nearby
- Inline text link in a dense paragraph with other links immediately adjacent
The tricky parts
The spacing exception means that a target smaller than 24 by 24 pixels can still pass if there is enough empty space around it. The total area of the target plus its spacing must be at least 24 by 24 pixels in each dimension.
AXS Audit
AXS Audit checks your site against 2.5.8 and flags issues your team can act on straight away. It covers criteria that automated scanners often miss.