CSS scale Property Reference

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

Updated 2026-08-12

scale overview

The CSS scale property is a standard property in CSS Transforms. 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

scale formal syntax

Field	Value
Formal syntax	none \| [ <number> \| <percentage> ]{1,3}
Initial value	none
Applies to	transformableElements
Inherited	No
Percentages	no
Computed value	asSpecified
Animation type	transform
Media	visual
Specification group	CSS Transforms
Status	Standard

Practical examples

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

scale live example

CSS

.reset-example {
  scale: initial;
}

.inherit-example {
  scale: inherit;
}

@supports (scale: initial) {
  .supported {
    scale: initial;
  }
}