diff --git a/app/javascript/controllers/dashboard_sortable_controller.js b/app/javascript/controllers/dashboard_sortable_controller.js
index c0a0cbcca..c1ab01780 100644
--- a/app/javascript/controllers/dashboard_sortable_controller.js
+++ b/app/javascript/controllers/dashboard_sortable_controller.js
@@ -295,10 +295,19 @@ export default class extends Controller {
     draggableElements.forEach((child) => {
       const rect = child.getBoundingClientRect();
       const centerX = rect.left + rect.width / 2;
-      const centerY = rect.top + rect.height / 2;
 
+      // Use distance to nearest edge instead of center so tall sections
+      // don't require more finger travel than short ones
       const dx = pointerX - centerX;
-      const dy = pointerY - centerY;
+      let dy;
+      if (pointerY < rect.top) {
+        dy = rect.top - pointerY;
+      } else if (pointerY > rect.bottom) {
+        dy = pointerY - rect.bottom;
+      } else {
+        dy = 0; // pointer is within this section's vertical bounds
+      }
+
       const distance = Math.sqrt(dx * dx + dy * dy);
 
       if (distance < minDistance) {