The <small> Element

Inline Text Semantics

Use the <small> element for side comments like small print, which typically features disclaimers, caveats, legal restrictions, or copyrights. If you only want the presentational effect of smaller text, then use CSS instead.

Attributes for <small>

Type	Attribute List
'Standard' Attributes	(none)
New HTML5 Attributes	"writingsuggestions"

Notes

• Do not use the small element as a presentational element. Use style sheets to control layout and presentation. Use HTML elements only for content and structure and not for layout and presentation. For example, use the em and strong elements only for structural emphasis.
• Small print is also sometimes used for attribution, or for satisfying licensing requirements.

Recommended Links

• CanIUse.com: Search <small> (browser compatibility information)
• CanIEmail.com: Search <small> (email client compatibility information)
• Why are some presentational elements like <b>, <i> and <small> still included?
• HTML 4.01: SMALL element
• HTML5 (WHATWG): small element
• MDN: <small>
• Quackit: HTML <small> tag

Search Engine Links (for more information)

• Bing "small element"
• Google "small element"