Skip to content

The CSS calc() function

New Course Coming Soon:

Get Really Good at Git

Learn how to work with the CSS calc() function

The calc() function lets you perform basic math operations on values, and it’s especially useful when you need to add or subtract a length value from a percentage.

This is how it works:

div {
	max-width: calc(80% - 100px)
}

It returns a length value, so it can be used anywhere you expect a pixel value.

You can perform

One caveat: with addition and subtraction, the space around the operator is mandatory, otherwise it does not work as expected.

Examples:

div {
	max-width: calc(50% / 3)
}
div {
	max-width: calc(50% + 3px)
}
Are you intimidated by Git? Can’t figure out merge vs rebase? Are you afraid of screwing up something any time you have to do something in Git? Do you rely on ChatGPT or random people’s answer on StackOverflow to fix your problems? Your coworkers are tired of explaining Git to you all the time? Git is something we all need to use, but few of us really master it. I created this course to improve your Git (and GitHub) knowledge at a radical level. A course that helps you feel less frustrated with Git. Launching Summer 2024. Join the waiting list!
→ Get my CSS Handbook
→ Read my CSS Tutorial on The Valley of Code

Here is how can I help you: