How to Set Distance Between Flexbox Items in CSS

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By squashlabs, Last Updated: Oct. 6, 2023

How to Set Distance Between Flexbox Items in CSS

To set the distance between flexbox items in CSS, you can use the gap property. The gap property allows you to specify the spacing between flex items in a flex container. Here are two possible ways to set the distance between flexbox items:

Method 1: Using the gap Property

To set the distance between flexbox items using the gap property, follow these steps:

1. Set up a flex container by applying the display: flex; property to a container element.

2. Use the gap property to specify the distance between flex items. The gap property accepts values in any valid CSS length unit (e.g., pixels, em, rem).

Here's an example:

.container {
  display: flex;
  gap: 20px;
}

In the above example, the gap property is set to 20px, which means there will be a 20-pixel gap between each flex item in the container.

Related Article: How to Right Align Div Elements in CSS

Method 2: Using Margin or Padding

Alternatively, you can use the margin or padding properties to set the distance between flexbox items. Here's how:

1. Set up a flex container by applying the display: flex; property to a container element.

2. Use the margin or padding properties on the flex items to create the desired spacing between them. You can adjust the values of margin or padding to increase or decrease the distance between flex items.

Here's an example using margin:

.container {
  display: flex;
}

.flex-item {
  margin-right: 20px;
}

In the above example, each flex item has a right margin of 20px, creating a gap between the items.

And here's an example using padding:

.container {
  display: flex;
}

.flex-item {
  padding-right: 20px;
}

In the above example, each flex item has a right padding of 20px, creating a gap between the items.

Best Practices

Related Article: How to Disable Scrolling On Body Using CSS

When setting the distance between flexbox items, consider the following best practices:

- Use the gap property whenever possible, as it provides a more concise and straightforward way to set the spacing between flex items.

- If you need more control over the spacing or want to apply different spacing to different sides of the flex items, using margin or padding properties may be a better option.

- Avoid using fixed pixel values for the gap, margin, or padding. Instead, consider using relative units like em or rem to ensure the layout remains responsive and adaptable to different screen sizes.

- Test your design on different devices and screen sizes to ensure that the spacing between flex items looks consistent and visually appealing.

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