Fitts's Law

UX principle

01 Definition

Fitts's Law meaning: The rule that a target is faster to reach when it is bigger and closer.

Fitts's Law states that the time to point at a target depends on its size and distance: larger, nearer targets are quicker and easier to hit. In design it supports big, well-placed buttons and generous tap areas, especially on touch screens. It describes pointing speed, not whether a choice is the right one.

Also called

Fitts law

Why it matters

How Fitts's Law fits the work

The principle guides sizing and placement of buttons and links so key actions are easy to reach, especially on small touch screens.

In context

Following Fitts's Law, the checkout button was enlarged and moved near the thumb zone to make it easier to tap on phones.

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Practical note

On mobile, ensure tap targets are large enough and spaced apart; cramped or tiny buttons raise errors and slow task completion.