<small>: the side comment element

The HTML <small> element represents side-comments and small print, like copyright and legal text, independent of its styled presentation. By default, it renders text within it one font-size smaller, such as from small to x-small.

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Attributes

This element only includes the global attributes.

Examples

Basic usage

<p>This is the first sentence.
 <small>This whole sentence is in small letters.</small>
</p>

CSS alternative

<p>This is the first sentence.
  <span style="font-size:0.8em">This whole sentence is in small
  letters.</span>
</p>

Specifications

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.

Browser compatibility

See also

• <b>
• <sub> and <sup>
• <font>
• <style>
• HTML 4.01 Specification: Font Styles