2.5.8: Target Size (Minimum)

What it means

Pointer targets must be at least 24 by 24 CSS pixels, or have enough spacing so a 24px circle centered on each target does not overlap another. WCAG 2.2 added this AA requirement.

It is slightly smaller than the AAA 44px rule but still catches tiny controls.

How to fix it

• Audit buttons, links, and icons for 24×24px minimum size or spacing.
• Add padding to inline text links that would otherwise be too small.
• Separate clustered toolbar icons with margin or hit-area expansion.
• Test on real phones with average finger size.

Quick examples

• Good: Footer links have padding that creates 24px tall tap targets.
• Bad: Inline “x” close icons are 16px with no extra hit area.
• Good: Checkbox labels expand the clickable area to full row height.
• Bad: Two icon buttons sit flush with 20px targets overlapping touch areas.