CSS flex-direction Property Reference

The CSS flex-direction property is a standard property in CSS Flexible Box Layout. Review its formal syntax, computed behavior, and practical declarations.

Updated 2026-08-12

flex-direction overview

The CSS flex-direction property is a standard property in CSS Flexible Box Layout. 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

flex-direction formal syntax

Field	Value
Formal syntax	row \| row-reverse \| column \| column-reverse
Initial value	row
Applies to	flexContainers
Inherited	No
Percentages	no
Computed value	asSpecified
Animation type	discrete
Media	visual
Specification group	CSS Flexible Box Layout
Status	Standard

Practical examples

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

flex-direction live example

CSS

.reset-example {
  flex-direction: initial;
}

.inherit-example {
  flex-direction: inherit;
}

@supports (flex-direction: initial) {
  .supported {
    flex-direction: initial;
  }
}