The HTML <small> element makes the text font size one size smaller (for example, from large to medium, or from small to x-small) down to the browser's minimum font size. In HTML5, this element is repurposed to represent side-comments and small print, including copyright and legal text, independent of its styled presentation.
| Content categories | Flow content, phrasing content |
|---|---|
| Permitted content | Phrasing content |
| Tag omission | None, must have both a start tag and an end tag. |
| Permitted parents | Any element that accepts phrasing content, or any element that accepts flow content. |
| Permitted ARIA roles | Any |
| DOM interface | HTMLElement |
Attributes
This element only includes the global attributes.
Implementation note: up to Gecko 1.9.2 inclusive, Firefox implements the HTMLSpanElement interface for this element.
Examples
Example 1
<p>This is the first sentence. <small>This whole sentence is in small letters.</small></p>
Result
This is the first sentence. This whole sentence is in small letters.
Example 2 (CSS alternative)
<p>This is the first sentence. <span style="font-size:0.8em">This whole sentence is in small letters.</span></p>
Result
This is the first sentence. This whole sentence is in small letters.
Specifications
| Specification | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| WHATWG HTML Living Standard The definition of '<small>' in that specification. |
Living Standard | |
| HTML5 The definition of '<small>' in that specification. |
Recommendation | |
| HTML 4.01 Specification The definition of '<small>' in that specification. |
Recommendation |
Notes
Although the <small> element, like the <b> and <i> elements, may be perceived to violate the principle of separation between structure and presentation, all three are valid in HTML5. Authors are encouraged to use their best judgement when determining whether to use <small> or CSS.
See also
<b><font><style>- HTML 4.01 Specification: Font Styles