There is no single “correct” favicon size. Modern websites need several dimensions to look right across browser tabs, mobile home screens, PWAs, and search results. This is the complete reference — bookmark it.
The essential favicon sizes (quick reference)
| Size | File | Where it's used | Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16×16 | favicon-16x16.png | Browser tabs (classic) | Yes |
| 32×32 | favicon-32x32.png | Browser tabs (retina), taskbar | Yes |
| 48×48 | inside favicon.ico | Windows site icons, older browsers | Recommended |
| 180×180 | apple-touch-icon.png | iOS home screen, Safari pinned tab | Yes |
| 192×192 | android-chrome-192x192.png | Android home screen, Chrome PWA | Yes (PWA) |
| 512×512 | android-chrome-512x512.png | PWA splash screen, high-res Android | Yes (PWA) |
| Vector | favicon.svg | Modern browsers, dark mode, Safari pinned | Recommended |
Recommended source image size
Always start from a square image of at least 512×512 pixels (1024×1024 is ideal). A good generator will downscale it to every size above while keeping each crisp. Never upscale a small image — it will look blurry at larger sizes like the 512×512 PWA splash.
Why each size exists
16×16 and 32×32 — the browser tab
These are the sizes users see most. 16×16 is the legacy default; 32×32 looks crisp on high-DPI (retina) displays. Always include both.
180×180 — Apple touch icon
When an iPhone or iPad user taps “Add to Home Screen”, iOS uses this file. Safari also uses it for pinned tabs on Mac. It must be exactly 180×180.
192×192 and 512×512 — Android & PWA
Android Chrome and other PWA-capable browsers read these from your site.webmanifest. 192 is the home-screen icon; 512 powers the full-screen splash when the PWA launches.
What about favicons in Google search results?
Google displays a small favicon next to your result in mobile (and increasingly desktop) search. It pulls from your declared favicons — typically the 32×32 or the .ico. Google recommends a square image of at least 48×48 (multiples of 48 are ideal). Make sure your <link rel="icon"> is valid; otherwise Google shows a generic globe.
The .ico file: one file, many sizes
The .ico format is special — a single file can bundle multiple sizes (commonly 16×16, 32×32, 48×48). That's why a good favicon.ico is the most compatible option: every browser picks the best embedded size automatically.
Don't want to manage all these sizes by hand?
You don't have to. Upload one square image to Favicon.one and download a ZIP containing every size above, an .ico, an Apple touch icon, an SVG, and a site.webmanifest — plus ready-to-paste HTML.