block-size

This is an experimental technology
Because this technology's specification has not stabilized, check the compatibility table for usage in various browsers. Also note that the syntax and behavior of an experimental technology is subject to change in future versions of browsers as the specification changes.

The block-size CSS property defines the horizontal or vertical size of an element's block, depending on its writing mode. It corresponds to either the width or the height property, depending on the value of writing-mode.

/* <length> values */
block-size: 300px;
block-size: 25em;
/* <percentage> values */
block-size: 75%;
/* Keyword values */
block-size: 25em border-box;
block-size: 75% content-box;
block-size: max-content;
block-size: min-content;
block-size: available;
block-size: fit-content;
block-size: auto;
/* Global values */
block-size: inherit;
block-size: initial;
block-size: unset;

If the writing mode is vertically oriented, the value of block-size relates to the width of the element; otherwise, it relates to the height of the element. A related property is inline-size, which defines the other dimension of the element.

Initial valueauto
Applies tosame as width and height
Inheritedno
Percentagesblock-size of containing block
Mediavisual
Computed valuesame as width and height
Animation typediscrete
Canonical orderthe unique non-ambiguous order defined by the formal grammar

Syntax

Values

The block-size property takes the same values as the width and height properties.

Formal syntax

<'width'>

Example

HTML

<p class="exampleText">Example text</p>

CSS

.exampleText {
  writing-mode: vertical-rl;
  background-color: yellow;
  block-size: 200px;
}

Specification

Specification Status Comment
CSS Logical Properties Level 1
The definition of 'block-size' in that specification.
Editor's Draft Initial definition

Browser compatibility

Feature Chrome Firefox (Gecko) Internet Explorer Opera Safari (WebKit)
Basic support No support 41.0 (41.0)[1] No support No support No support
Feature Android Firefox Mobile (Gecko) IE Phone Opera Mobile Safari Mobile
Basic support No support 41.0 (41.0)[1] No support No support No support

[1] Available since Gecko 38, but behind the preference layout.css.vertical-text.enabled, then disabled by default. The preference has been removed in Gecko 51 and this property cannot be disabled since this version.

See also

Document Tags and Contributors

 Contributors to this page: mfluehr, elysdir1, teoli, HTMLValidator, Sebastianz, fscholz, jsx, hbloomer
 Last updated by: mfluehr,