CPCODELAB
Tailwind CSS

Sizing: Width, Height, Min, Max

8 min read

Width and Height

Width (w-*) and height (h-*) utilities pull from the same spacing scale plus a set of special keywords. The shorthand size-* sets both width and height simultaneously.

  • w-full — 100% of parent width.
  • w-screen — 100vw.
  • w-1/2, w-1/3, w-2/3 — percentage fractions.
  • w-auto — browser-computed auto.
  • h-screen — 100vh; h-dvh — 100dvh (dynamic viewport).
  • size-10 — sets width AND height to 2.5 rem.

Min and Max Constraints

html
<img
  class="w-full max-w-md min-h-[200px] object-cover rounded-xl"
  src="/hero.jpg"
  alt="Hero"
/>

Use min-w-0 on flex children to allow them to shrink below their natural size — a common fix for text overflow inside flex containers.

max-w-prose (65 ch) is a typography-focused max-width that keeps line lengths readable. Great for article bodies and landing page copy.

Ready to test yourself?
Practice Tailwind CSS— quiz & coding exercises