CSS Math Functions

The CSS math functions allow mathematical expressions to be used as property values. Here, we will explain the calc(), max() and min() functions.

The calc() Function

The calc() function performs a calculation to be used as the property value.

CSS Syntax

calc(expression)

Value	Description
expression	Required. A mathematical expression. The result will be used as the value. The following operators can be used: + - * /

Let us look at an example:

Example

Use calc() to calculate the width of a <div> element:

#div1 {
position: absolute;
left: 50px;
width: calc(100% - 100px);
border: 1px solid black;
background-color: yellow;
padding: 5px;
}

The width of the <div> with id "div1" will be (100% of available width - 100px).

The max() Function

The max() function uses the largest value, from a comma-separated list of values, as the property value.

CSS Syntax

max(value1, value2, ...)

Value	Description
value1, value2, ...	Required. A list of comma-separated values - where the largest value is chosen

Let us look at an example:

Example

Use max() to set the width of #div1 to whichever value is largest, 50% or 300px:

#div1 {
background-color: yellow;
height: 100px;
width: max(50%, 300px);
}

The width of the <div> with id "div1" will be the largest, 50% or 300px.

The min() Function

The min() function uses the smallest value, from a comma-separated list of values, as the property value.

CSS Syntax

min(value1, value2, ...)

Value	Description
value1, value2, ...	Required. A list of comma-separated values - where the smallest value is chosen

Let us look at an example:

Example

Use min() to set the width of #div1 to whichever value is smallest, 50% or 300px:

#div1 {
background-color: yellow;
height: 100px;
width: min(50%, 300px);
}

The width of the <div> with id "div1" will be the smallest, 50% or 300px.

All CSS Math Functions

Function	Description
calc()	Allows you to perform calculations to determine CSS property values
max()	Uses the largest value, from a comma-separated list of values, as the property value
min()	Uses the smallest value, from a comma-separated list of values, as the property value