CSS margin Property Reference

The CSS margin property is a standard property in CSS Box Model. Review its formal syntax, computed behavior, and practical declarations.

Updated 2026-08-12

margin overview

The CSS margin property is a standard property in CSS Box Model. 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

margin formal syntax

Field	Value
Formal syntax	<'margin-top'>{1,4}
Initial value	margin-bottom, margin-left, margin-right, margin-top
Applies to	allElementsExceptTableDisplayTypes
Inherited	No
Percentages	referToWidthOfContainingBlock
Computed value	margin-bottom, margin-left, margin-right, margin-top
Animation type	length
Media	visual
Specification group	CSS Box Model
Status	Standard

Practical examples

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

margin live example

CSS

.reset-example {
  margin: initial;
}

.inherit-example {
  margin: inherit;
}

@supports (margin: 1rem) {
  .supported {
    margin: 1rem;
  }
}