Favicon size: the dimensions you need and how to generate them
Short answer: start from a square PNG of 512×512 pixels or larger and generate the sizes 16×16, 32×32, 48×48, 180×180, 192×192 and 512×512. That set covers the browser tab, Google, the iPhone and Android, and each size has its own job.
The sizes, one by one
There is no single favicon size, because every place where it appears asks for its own. These are the sizes in use today and what each one is for.
16×16 and 32×32 pixels: the browser tab, history and bookmarks. They are the smallest sizes and the ones people see most, so they need the most care.
48×48 pixels: the Windows desktop and shortcuts.
180×180 pixels: the Apple Touch Icon. This is the icon that appears when someone adds your site to the home screen of an iPhone or iPad.
192×192 and 512×512 pixels: Android and installable web apps. They are declared in your site's manifest file.
favicon.ico or PNG: which to use
The ICO format bundles several sizes into a single file, and browsers request /favicon.ico at the root of your domain by default, even if you never declare it. Modern browsers also accept PNG through a link tag. The safest setup is to have both: the .ico at the root and the PNGs declared in the head. The PixMidas generator delivers them together.
How to prepare the source image
Start with a square image of at least 512×512 pixels. The tool scales that image down to every size, so it pays to begin with the largest, best quality file you have. If your logo is an SVG, convert it to a 512×512 PNG first with the SVG to PNG converter.
Think about how it will look at 16×16 pixels. Logos with small letters or thin lines turn into a smudge. A single letter, a symbol or a simple shape works much better than the full logo.
How to add it to your site
Download the ZIP, upload the files to the root of your site and paste the included HTML tags into your <head>. Then open your site in a couple of browsers to confirm the icon appears. Browsers cache the favicon, so if you still see the old one, try a private window.
Frequently asked questions
What size should a favicon be?
The base size is 32×32 pixels for the browser tab, but a complete favicon set includes 16, 32, 48, 180, 192 and 512 pixels. Start from a square image of 512×512 or larger and generate every size with the favicon generator.
Can I use a single size for everything?
A single PNG can work in modern browsers, but the iPhone uses a 180×180 icon and Android uses 192×192 and 512×512. If you only declare one, those devices rescale it or ignore it. The better approach is to generate the full set.
What does Google require for the favicon?
Google requires a square favicon (1:1 aspect ratio) of at least 8×8 pixels, and recommends a favicon larger than 48×48 pixels. Google Search supports BMP, GIF, ICO, PNG, JPEG, PPM and TIFF. The favicon URL must be stable, so do not change it often.
Verified on 20 October 2026 against Google Search Central.
Is my image uploaded to a server?
No. The favicon is generated entirely on your device, inside the browser. Your logo or image is never sent to any server, including ours.