Is it really impossible to make a div fit its size to its content?

html

responsive-design

css

web-development

byAlex Kataev·Feb 24, 2025

No, it's not impossible. Here's the rundown on how to make a div fit its content:

Use display: inline-block; to make the div behave like an inline element while keeping block features:

<div style="display: inline-block;">I am snug as a bug!</div>

Alternatively, you can consider using display: table; to make it act like a table cell:

<div style="display: table;">I am snug in a table cell now!</div>

In a flexbox layout, a child div automatically fits its content using flex: 0 0 auto:

<div style="display: flex;">
    <div style="flex: 0 0 auto;">I am flexibly snug. 😎</div>
</div>

To make your div width adapt to the content, use width: min-content for enhanced compatibility.

Ways to fit content width

Let's discuss how to make the div's width fit the content:

To make the div's width fit the content, apply width: fit-content; and width: min-content; as a fallback:

div {
    width: fit-content;
    width: min-content; /* For my old browser pals */
}

Making height responsive

To make the div's height fit the content, use height: fit-content;:

div {
    height: fit-content; /* Tower as high as my content */
}

`Word-break`: your secret weapon against extra spaces

word-break: break-all ensures div width dynamically adjusts itself without needing specific dimensions:

div {
  word-break: break-all; /* Bye bye extra white space */
}

Explore alternatives

Look at other options like absolute positioning and floats:

Absolute positioning

position: absolute can make div adopt content size, but be careful when using it! Remember, with great power (to disrupt the normal flow), comes great responsibility:

div {
    position: absolute; /* I’m going rogue */
}

Floating into place

Floats (float: left/right) also allow div to wrap around content; however, don't forget to clear your floats afterwards:

div {
    float: left; /* Float like a butterfly */
}

Handling different display properties

When it comes to picking the right display property, you have a world full of options! Let’s walk through the popular ones:

Grid system

CSS Grid layout can help build complex responsive layouts while maintaining dimensions:

.container {
    display: grid;
}

.item {
    grid-column: auto / span 2; /* Room for two please! */
}

Inline elements

Setting div to display: inline; makes it act like text but it loses block-level features:

<div style="display: inline;">I feel like a text today!</div>

Easier centering with Fit-Content

fit-content can center content just the way you like it:

div {
    width: fit-content;
    margin-left: auto;
    margin-right: auto;
}

Isn't that just center-ific? More about fit-content in reference 7.

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