HTML - <small>
The HTML Small Element (<small>) 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.
Example
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.
Description
The HTML Small Element (<small>) 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 parent elements | Any element that accepts phrasing content, or any element that accepts flow content. |
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
Specifications
| Specification | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| HTML5 The definition of '<small>' in that specification. |
Recommendation | |
| HTML 4.01 Specification The definition of '<small>' in that specification. |
Recommendation |
This element implements the HTMLElement interface.
Implementation note: up to Gecko 1.9.2 inclusive, Firefox implements the HTMLSpanElement interface for this element.
License
© 2016 Mozilla Contributors
Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License v2.5 or later.
https://developer.mozilla.org/en-us/docs/web/html/element/small