CSS vertical-align Property Reference

The CSS vertical-align property is a standard property in CSS Inline. Review its formal syntax, computed behavior, and practical declarations.

Updated 2026-08-12

vertical-align overview

The CSS vertical-align property is a standard property in CSS Inline. 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

vertical-align formal syntax

Field	Value
Formal syntax	baseline \| sub \| super \| text-top \| text-bottom \| middle \| top \| bottom \| <percentage> \| <length>
Initial value	baseline
Applies to	asLonghands
Inherited	No
Percentages	no
Computed value	asLonghands
Animation type	discrete
Media	visual
Specification group	CSS Inline
Status	Standard

Practical examples

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

vertical-align live example

CSS

.reset-example {
  vertical-align: initial;
}

.inherit-example {
  vertical-align: inherit;
}

@supports (vertical-align: initial) {
  .supported {
    vertical-align: initial;
  }
}