CSS overflow Property Reference

The CSS overflow property is a standard property in CSS Overflow. Review its formal syntax, computed behavior, and practical declarations.

Updated 2026-08-12

overflow overview

The CSS overflow property is a standard property in CSS Overflow. 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

overflow formal syntax

Field	Value
Formal syntax	[ visible \| hidden \| clip \| scroll \| auto ]{1,2}
Initial value	visible
Applies to	blockContainersFlexContainersGridContainers
Inherited	No
Percentages	no
Computed value	overflow-x, overflow-y
Animation type	discrete
Media	visual
Specification group	CSS Overflow
Status	Standard

Practical examples

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

overflow live example

CSS

.reset-example {
  overflow: initial;
}

.inherit-example {
  overflow: inherit;
}

@supports (overflow: hidden) {
  .supported {
    overflow: hidden;
  }
}