How to get equal width of input and select fields

html

responsive-design

css-reset

box-sizing

byNikita Barsukov·Aug 28, 2024

For achieving equal-width input and select fields, leverage CSS flex with flex: 1;. This assistant ensures that all elements expand proportionally within a flexible container.

.flex-container {
  display: flex;
}

input, select {
  flex: 1;
  padding: 8px;
  border: 1px solid #ccc;  /* We also have borders, aye */
}

This CSS snippet changes the flex parent and children, in just a snap. It goes without saying, the input and select should be children of the .flex-container.

Input & Select - Sizing Differences

The first aspect is understanding the box-sizing property. Elements follow content-box by default which doesn't include padding or borders in the width.

By setting box-sizing: border-box;, padding and borders will now be included in the width calculation as well. Suddenly, every pixel finds its place.

input, select {
  box-sizing: border-box; /* Shoo away width dilemmas! */
  width: 100%;
}

That's just half the battle. Use a CSS reset for harmonizing the appearance across all browsers.

* {
  margin: 0;  /* Nothing to see here, pal. */
  padding: 0;
  border: 0;
}

Browser Consistency

As the saying goes, "In the world of web browsers, expect the unexpected!" Each browser renders elements in its own peculiar way. Combining box-sizing, CSS reset, and testing the layout in different browsers can help you achieve near-perfect uniformity.

Going Responsive

In the modern web, responsiveness is king. Using percentage widths with box-sizing: border-box; allows layouts to adapt seamlessly across all devices. Relying on fixed pixel widths is so 2005.

Maintaining the uniform width

Flexible Layouts with Flexbox

Slip in flexbox into the mix for a dual advantage of easy layout control and responsive magic. Flexbox— the yoga master of CSS!

Recyclable CSS Classes

Why not create a reusable class with box-sizing: border-box;? Use it across form elements for a consistent look and feel. Recycling - good for the environment, great for your code!

.equal-width {
  box-sizing: border-box; /* Mission: Width uniformity! */
  width: 100%; /* My sole purpose */
}

Cascading...not Overriding!

The !important rule can be an effective quick fix, but let's not get carried away and break the natural flow of CSS cascading. As Uncle Ben said, with great power styles, comes great responsibility!

Going beyond with CSS Grid

CSS Grid offers a higher level of control over layouts. Leveraging this can aid in precise width and alignment adjustments of form elements.

.grid-container {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(100px, 1fr)); /* Grid, the mighty constructor */
}

input, select {
  padding: 0.5em;
  border: 1px solid #ccc; /* With great border comes great clarity */
}

Of course, like cooking up a perfect lasagna, test this in multiple environments for "chef's kiss" consistency.

Externalizing your Styles

Writing styles inline is like wearing socks with sandals. Instead, separate the CSS in dedicated external files for better manageability and clarity in your project.

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