CSS reading-order Property Reference

The CSS reading-order property is a standard property in CSS Display. Review its formal syntax, computed behavior, and practical declarations.

Updated 2026-08-12

reading-order overview

The CSS reading-order property is a standard property in CSS Display. 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

reading-order formal syntax

Field	Value
Formal syntax	<integer>
Initial value	0
Applies to	blockContainersFlexContainersGridContainers
Inherited	No
Percentages	no
Computed value	specifiedInteger
Animation type	byComputedValueType
Media	visual
Specification group	CSS Display
Status	Standard

Practical examples

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

reading-order live example

CSS

.reset-example {
  reading-order: initial;
}

.inherit-example {
  reading-order: inherit;
}

@supports (reading-order: initial) {
  .supported {
    reading-order: initial;
  }
}