CSS border Property Reference

The CSS border property is a standard property in CSS Backgrounds and Borders. Review its formal syntax, computed behavior, and practical declarations.

Updated 2026-08-12

border overview

The CSS border property is a standard property in CSS Backgrounds and Borders. Review its formal syntax, computed behavior, and practical declarations.

The property is not inherited by default. Use an explicit global keyword when inheritance is intended.

Syntax and formal definition

border formal syntax

Field	Value
Formal syntax	<line-width> \|\| <line-style> \|\| <color>
Initial value	border-width, border-style, border-color
Applies to	allElements
Inherited	No
Percentages	no
Computed value	border-width, border-style, border-color
Animation type	border-width, border-style, border-color
Media	visual
Specification group	CSS Backgrounds and Borders
Status	Standard

Practical examples

These declarations demonstrate valid ways to set border. The initial and inherit global keywords remain available even when a property-specific value is preferable.

border live example

CSS

.reset-example {
  border: initial;
}

.inherit-example {
  border: inherit;
}

@supports (border: 1px solid currentColor) {
  .supported {
    border: 1px solid currentColor;
  }
}