Question 1

What is the minimum touch target size for accessibility?

Accepted Answer

WCAG defines two levels for touch target sizes:
      
        WCAG 2.5.5 (Level AAA): Touch targets should be at least 44×44 CSS pixels
        WCAG 2.5.8 (Level AA): Touch targets should be at least 24×24 CSS pixels
      
      Industry standards:
      
        Apple iOS: Recommends minimum 44×44 points
        Android Material Design: Recommends minimum 48×48 density-independent pixels
        Microsoft: Recommends minimum 44×44 epx
      
      For best accessibility, aim for 44×44px or larger, especially for primary actions.

Question 2

What counts as a touch target?

Accepted Answer

Touch targets include any interactive element that users can tap or click: Links ( tags) Buttons (

Question 3

How do I make small elements meet the size requirement?

Accepted Answer

Several techniques to increase touch target size:
      
        Add padding: Easiest solution - padding: 12px makes any element bigger
        Set minimum dimensions: min-width: 44px; min-height: 44px;
        Expand hit area with pseudo-elements:
          ::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  top: -12px; right: -12px;
  bottom: -12px; left: -12px;
}
        
        Increase font size: Larger text = larger default size
        Use flexbox centering: Centers small icons in larger containers
        Add spacing between targets: Prevents accidental clicks
      
      For icon-only buttons, make the button itself 44×44px even if the icon is 20×20px.

Question 4

Do touch targets need spacing between them?

Accepted Answer

Yes! WCAG 2.5.8 (Level AA) requires that targets either:
      
        Are at least 24×24 CSS pixels in size, OR
        Have sufficient spacing so the target can fit within a 24×24px circle without overlapping another target's circle
      
      Best practice: Maintain at least 8px spacing between interactive elements to prevent accidental activation.
      Why spacing matters:
      
        Reduces mis-taps and user frustration
        Helps users with motor disabilities
        Improves usability on small screens
        Better experience for users with large fingers
        Prevents accidental activations while scrolling

Question 5

Are there exceptions to the size requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes, WCAG allows some exceptions:
      
        Inline links: Links within sentences don't need to meet the size requirement
        User agent controls: Browser-provided controls (like video player controls)
        Essential targets: When a specific size is essential to the information being conveyed
      
      However: Just because something is exempt doesn't mean you shouldn't make it accessible! Consider these guidelines:
      
        Make inline links at least 24×24px if possible
        Provide adequate spacing around inline links
        Use larger text for better default size
        Test on actual mobile devices

Question 6

How do I test touch targets on mobile devices?

Accepted Answer

Testing strategies for mobile touch targets:
      
        This tool: Analyze on desktop but check pixel measurements
        Browser DevTools: Use device emulation mode and toggle device toolbar
        Real devices: Test on actual phones and tablets (best method)
        Remote testing: Use BrowserStack or similar for cross-device testing
        Accessibility scanner: Use mobile accessibility scanners (Android, iOS)
      
      Quick test: Can you tap the target accurately with your thumb? If not, it's probably too small.
      Remember: CSS pixels ≠ physical pixels. A 44×44 CSS pixel target may be larger or smaller on different devices depending on pixel density.

Touch Target Checker – Test Mobile Accessibility

Touch Target Checker

AAA (Best)

AA (Acceptable)

Fail

WCAG Requirements

WCAG 2.5.5 (Level AAA)

WCAG 2.5.8 (Level AA)

Why It Matters

How to Fix

Examples of Real-World Usage

Mobile App Developers

Web Developers & Designers

Accessibility Auditors

QA & Testing Teams

Product Managers

UX Researchers

Complete Touch Target Testing Features

Real-Time Analysis

Precise Measurements

WCAG Compliance Badges

Mobile-First Testing

Issue Detection

Detailed Reports

Custom Size Tester

Multiple WCAG Levels

How to Use the Touch Target Checker

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions?