Narrowly size-distributed poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) latexes with diameters between 80-120 nm bearing carboxylic groups were prepared via emulsion polymerization using 4,4'-azobis(4-cyanopentanoic) acid (ACPA) as initiator and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as surfactant. Polymerization conversion and kinetics were followed gravimetrically. All final latexes were characterized with respect to particle size and size distribution as well as electrophoretic mobility. The influence of SDS concentration on the preparation of low-size, monodisperse particles was systematically investigated.