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Readable font size

The readable font size rule checks whether the text in your app is large enough for users to read comfortably. Font size below a minimum size is hard to read for users with low vision, users with reduced contrast sensitivity, and anyone using the app in poor lighting conditions or while in motion, such as while walking or in a vehicle. Small text size also forces users to magnify the screen, which hides the content around it and can also make certain app features non-functional.

The rule evaluates text elements and editable fields that are visible on screen, aren’t covered by another element, and contain text.

  • Rule Category : Text resize
  • WCAG Guidelines : Best Practice
  • Rule Severity : Minor
  • Supported Platforms : Android

Success criteria

The rule checks for the following potential violations:

  • A text element that has a font size set below the minimum size of 14sp.
  • An editable field that has a font size set below the minimum size of 14sp.

Equivalent units

If your app declares a font size in a unit other than sp, the rule checks for the following values:

Unit Minimum size
sp 14sp
dp 14dp
pt 6pt
mm 2.222mm
in 0.087in
px No fixed value. The minimum scales with the pixel density of the screen, so text that passes on one device can fail on a device with a higher pixel density.

If your text is declared in a unit not listed in the table, then the rule doesn’t evaluate the text.

How to fix

To prevent readable font size violations:

  • Set the font size of every text element and editable field to at least 14sp.

Platform-specific fixes

  • Set android:textSize to 14sp or higher on every TextView and EditText in your layout XML.
  • In Kotlin or Java, set the size with setTextSize(TypedValue.COMPLEX_UNIT_SP, 14f) so the value is read as scale-independent pixels.

Example

The following screenshot highlights a readable font size violation in an Android app:

App Accessibility report flagging a Terms and conditions apply TextView with a 12sp font size, below the 14sp minimum

Errors

  • The TextView that displays Terms and conditions apply has the fontSize set as 12sp, which is below the 14sp recommended minimum.

Fix

  • Set the font size of the Terms and conditions apply TextView to 14sp or higher.

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