Why doesn't the height of a container element increase if it contains floated elements?

html

responsive-design

css-grid

flexbox

byAlex Kataev·Sep 10, 2024

When dealing with float elements in a container, wrap the trickster floats with overflow: hidden; or a clearfix. The easiest approach is overflow:

.container {
  /* 🦸 Preventing parent collapse like a superhero */
  overflow: hidden;
}

For a solution tougher than your grandma's fruitcake, use the clearfix:

.container::after {
  content: ""; /* 👻 Ghost content! */
  display: block;
  /* 🧹 The magic broom - clears both sides */
  clear: both;
}

Add the clearfix to your lair, aka the container:

<div class="container">
  <!-- Your floats enjoying a swim here -->
</div>

These magical incantations make the container reach out and clear the floats, acting like a responsible adult and minding its height.

Comprehending the Floatican Church

A float behaves like an out-of-flow disciple— ideal for text wrapping around images or aligning elements side by side. Being a rebel, it steps out of the usual document flow, standing out with its unfathomable inline-block behavior.

Float alternatives for the futuristic lot

It's the 21st century, why cling on to float? float: none; is recommended in responsive designs for fabulous layout freedom. Want a smarter approach? Meet Flexbox and CSS Grid, ruling the layout roost, easier to control with no need for hacky clear fixes.

No more sunk containers

A common clear:both; strategy requires a clearing element:

<div style="clear:both">
  <!--The incognito clear-fixer-->
</div>

But why clutter your sleek HTML? Opt the cleaner overflow:hidden;, overflow:auto; technique or wield the mighty clearfix to nail the layout, free from extra HTML.

Graduating to Advanced Containment Techniques

For a portfolio of floats’ size and style, overflow:auto; is your BFF. Applying a self-clearing class can make your CSS cleaner than the kitchen of a germophobic.

.self-clear::after {
  content: "";
  display: table;
  /* No more messy floats. */
  clear: both;
}

Impact of floated elements in layout

Floats and container harmony

Set a minimum height to save your site’s appearance when floats strike. Does your right-aligned design look wonky? Right-float the inner div. Ditching the old school float elements? Try flex-based design.

.outer-container {
  /* Flex: the new yoga for containers */
  display: flex;
}

Responsiveness with floats

Adjust width and height of inner divs to ensure a harmonious responsive layout. Flexbox replaces floats for a fluid container with fewer complications.

Debugging with floats

External margins giving you grief? Adjacent elements pushed overboard by floats? Debug ahead with reliable tools like jsFiddle for a practical, visual reference and magical property tweaks to ensure seamless float integration.

explain-codes / Html / Why doesn't the height of a container element increase if it contains floated elements?

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