⚠️ Status: Deprecated in HTML5
The <big> tag was used in older versions of HTML to make text slightly larger than the surrounding text. However, it’s now obsolete and should be replaced with CSS in modern web development.
✅ Syntax
<p>This is <big>bigger text</big> than normal.</p>
🖥 Browser result:
Displays bigger text, about one level up in font size — but this behavior may vary and is no longer guaranteed in modern browsers.
🛑 Why You Shouldn’t Use <big>
- It’s not supported in HTML5
- No way to control exact size or scaling
- CSS gives you far more precision and control
✅ Modern Alternative (CSS)
Use CSS to control font size:
<p>This is <span style="font-size: 1.25em;">bigger text</span> than normal.</p>
Or, with a CSS class:
<style>
.big-text {
font-size: 1.25em;
}
</style>
<p>This is <span class="big-text">bigger text</span> using a class.</p>
📌 Summary
| Feature | <big> | CSS Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Size control | Limited (one size up) | Precise (px, em, %, rem) |
| Styling | Inline only | Full CSS control |
| HTML5 Support | ❌ Deprecated | ✅ Fully supported |
🧠 Use CSS instead of <big>
The <big> tag is a relic of older HTML. For modern, responsive, and accessible design — always use CSS to style text.