2.5.5 Target Size (Enhanced)
Level AAA · added in WCAG 2.1
Targets you click or tap must be at least 44 by 44 CSS pixels, unless an exception applies. This is the level AAA version of 2.5.8, which asks for 24 by 24.
Who it helps
People with tremors, limited dexterity or large fingers hit large targets far more reliably. It also helps people using a phone on the move, one-handed, or with a head pointer.
How to meet it
- Give buttons, icon links and custom controls a minimum width and height of 44 CSS pixels, using padding or min-width and min-height.
- Grow the hit area with padding rather than enlarging the icon, so the design stays the same.
- Note there is no spacing exception here: a small target with plenty of space around it still fails.
- Exceptions: an equivalent 44 pixel control on the same page, links in a sentence or block of text, unstyled browser controls, and essential sizes.
- Level AAA isn't required by most laws or policies, which point to AA. It's still worth meeting, especially for primary actions on touch screens.
Examples
.dialog-close {
width: 24px;
height: 24px;
padding: 0;
}.dialog-close {
min-width: 44px;
min-height: 44px;
padding: 10px;
}
.dialog-close svg {
width: 24px;
height: 24px;
}Can a scanner detect this?
No
No axe-core rule tests the 44 pixel threshold; its target-size rule checks the 24 pixel minimum for 2.5.8. You can measure targets in browser developer tools, and you need a person to judge the equivalent and essential exceptions.
No automated rule tests this criterion. Check it by hand.
Common mistakes
- Assuming that passing 2.5.8 at 24 pixels also passes this criterion.
- Relying on spacing between small targets, which counts for 2.5.8 but not here.
- Making the icon 44 pixels but leaving the clickable element smaller.
- Treating stand-alone links in a footer or menu as inline links, which they are not.
Related criteria
Check your own page
See which automated WCAG checks your page fails, with the failing elements and how to fix them.
Reviewed November 2, 2026