<small>: The SMALL Element
Last updated: 2026-10-13
<small>The SMALL Element
Renders text in a smaller font size, commonly used for disclaimers, copyright notices, fine print.
| Category | Formatting |
|---|---|
| Content Model | Phrasing content |
| Allowed Parents | Any element that accepts phrasing content |
| Content Tag | Yes — requires closing </small> tag |
| Status | Standard |
📝 Syntax
<small>small text</small>▶ Example
Edit the code below and see the live result in the playground:
🌐 Browser Support
| Browser |  Chrome |
 Edge |
 Firefox |
 Safari |
 Opera |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| <small> | ✓ v1 | ✓ v12 | ✓ v1 | ✓ v1 | ✓ v1 |
| Supported in all major browsers | |||||
Tip： <small> is not just visual; it often conveys side-comment or fine-print semantics.
❓ FAQ
QWhat is the difference between small and CSS font-size?
A
<small> is a semantic tag meaning side comments, fine print, or copyright notices, rendered one size smaller by default; CSS font-size only shrinks visually with no semantics. Legal clauses and disclaimers fit <small> better and follow the spec.QCan I nest small to make text smaller?
ANesting
<small><small>text</small></small> does shrink the font further by relative proportion, but it is semantically meaningless and not recommended. If you need a smaller size, set an explicit size with CSS instead.QIs small suitable for footer copyright notices?
AYes — that is its standard use case: fine-print text such as copyright statements, licenses, and disclaimers. For example
<footer><small>© 2026 Web-Tutorial</small></footer> is semantically and stylistically apt.🏷️ Related Tags
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