What does height:auto do in CSS?

  • HTML/CSS
  • Thread starter shivajikobardan
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In summary, the difference between CSS height 100% and height auto is that height 100% sets the height to the full height of its parent element, while height auto adjusts the height based on the content inside the element. In this specific instance, height auto is necessary because it is the default value for block elements, but it may need to be changed if a different value is set or if a selector with more specificity or a media query is used. It is not common to use Javascript for adjusting the height of elements for design purposes in modern web development.
  • #1
shivajikobardan
674
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TL;DR Summary
height:auto
https://stackoverflow.com/questions/15943009/difference-between-css-height-100-vs-height-auto
I read the accepted answer and it doesn’t make much sense to me in practical applications.

Here’s my codepen.
What does height:auto does here?

As per my research, height:auto fits content. Ie As much content, that much height.
Also height:auto is default for every block element and form is a block element, why is it necessary to add height:auto here?
 
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  • #2
You don't have to set height to auto because it is the default value for that property.

But if you set it to something else, it is possible that you would need to change it back to its default value with Javascript.
 
  • #3
jack action said:
change it back to its default value with Javascript.
Or a selector with more specificity, or a media query. In 2022 we tend not to use JS for look-and-feel.
 
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Likes jack action

FAQ: What does height:auto do in CSS?

What does height:auto do in CSS?

The height:auto property in CSS allows an element to automatically adjust its height based on its content. This means that the element's height will expand or contract to fit its content without the need for a specified height value.

Is height:auto the default value for height in CSS?

Yes, height:auto is the default value for height in CSS. This means that if no height value is specified for an element, it will automatically adjust its height based on its content.

Can height:auto be used with other height values in CSS?

Yes, height:auto can be used in combination with other height values in CSS. For example, you can specify a minimum height or maximum height for an element and still use height:auto to adjust its height based on its content.

Does height:auto work on all elements in CSS?

No, height:auto only works on elements that have a defined content area, such as <div>, <p>, and <span>. It will not work on elements that have no content, such as <img> or <hr>.

Can height:auto be animated in CSS?

No, height:auto cannot be animated in CSS. Animation requires a specific height value to transition between, and since height:auto constantly adjusts to fit its content, it cannot be animated.

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