CSS border-collapse Property Reference

The CSS border-collapse property is a standard property in CSS Table. Review its formal syntax, computed behavior, and practical declarations.

Updated 2026-08-12

border-collapse overview

The CSS border-collapse property is a standard property in CSS Table. Review its formal syntax, computed behavior, and practical declarations.

The computed value normally inherits from the parent element when no declaration wins the cascade.

Syntax and formal definition

border-collapse formal syntax

Field	Value
Formal syntax	separate \| collapse
Initial value	separate
Applies to	tableElements
Inherited	Yes
Percentages	no
Computed value	asSpecified
Animation type	discrete
Media	visual
Specification group	CSS Table
Status	Standard

Practical examples

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

border-collapse live example

CSS

.reset-example {
  border-collapse: initial;
}

.inherit-example {
  border-collapse: inherit;
}

@supports (border-collapse: initial) {
  .supported {
    border-collapse: initial;
  }
}