CSS transform-origin Property Reference

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

Updated 2026-08-12

transform-origin overview

The CSS transform-origin 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

transform-origin formal syntax

Field	Value
Formal syntax	[ <length-percentage> \| left \| center \| right \| top \| bottom ] \| [ [ <length-percentage> \| left \| center \| right ] && [ <length-percentage> \| top \| center \| bottom ] ] <length>?
Initial value	50% 50% 0
Applies to	transformableElements
Inherited	No
Percentages	referToSizeOfBoundingBox
Computed value	forLengthAbsoluteValueOtherwisePercentage
Animation type	simpleListOfLpc
Media	visual
Specification group	CSS Transforms
Status	Standard

Practical examples

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

transform-origin live example

CSS

.reset-example {
  transform-origin: initial;
}

.inherit-example {
  transform-origin: inherit;
}

@supports (transform-origin: initial) {
  .supported {
    transform-origin: initial;
  }
}