Layout guide
iPhone Widget Sizes: Small, Medium or Large?
Understand what each Home Screen widget size is best for and choose the right amount of space for a clock, calendar or aquarium.
Choose a small widget for one glanceable item, a medium widget for a wider layout, and a large widget when the content needs room. The best size depends on what you want to read and which sizes the app actually offers. Apple’s widget design guidance ↗ lists small, medium and large Home Screen families on iPhone; exact dimensions vary by device.
What each size is good for
| Size | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Small | One photo, simple clock or single status | Little room for a full month calendar or many details |
| Medium | Clock plus visual scene; compact calendar or several data points | Text may still be small over a busy background |
| Large | More visual space and a larger month view | Uses more of the Home Screen and pushes apps farther away |
Do not assume every app supports all three. The iPhone gallery shows the sizes available for each app. Apple’s WidgetFamily documentation ↗ explains that developers choose which sizes their widgets support.
Choose a size for an aquarium
If you mainly want to see the fish, start with the smallest available aquarium that still shows them clearly. If you add a digital clock, medium can give the numbers and fish more space. For a month calendar, start with a wider or larger option and check the dates at normal viewing distance. The Aquarium Widgets editor lets you adjust the added clock or calendar’s size and position within the tank, separately from choosing the widget’s Home Screen size.
Test the actual Home Screen
Place a candidate widget beside your usual apps and look at it with the wallpaper you normally use. Check readability, tap targets and how many app icons remain accessible. If the screen feels crowded, try a widget stack or move a second widget to another page. For setup steps, follow our installation guide.