What is the reason behind an inline element being able to have an explicit width when floating?

When trying to set the width for an inline element <span> within a table-row containing multiple span elements, I encountered difficulty. However, after adding float: left, I was finally able to adjust the width.

What is the reason behind the initial inability to set the width and height of inline elements? How does introducing a float property affect these dimensions?

Answer №1

Response A:

The width of an inline element cannot be explicitly set because it is dependent on the surrounding elements, and thus its size is constrained by their widths.

Response B:

When you float an element using the float property, it automatically transforms into a block-level element due to the application of display: block. A block-level element fills up the entire space within its parent element (container), effectively creating a 'block'.

I trust this explanation clarifies things! :)

Answer №2

Inline elements typically do not have a set width or height, instead conforming to the surrounding elements in an inline manner. They only take up space within the tags that enclose them. For instance:

This is some <span>text</span>

<span>text</span> occupies only the space necessary for the word "text". It flows in line with other text nodes in the HTML document.

The property known as float brings about block-level display behavior by changing the display attribute of elements to block (in most scenarios), enabling explicit setting of width and height since they consume all available space within their container. As stated on MDN:

Since float imposes block layout attributes, it alters the computed value of display properties in certain cases.

According to the reference material provided on MDN, elements styled with display: table-row will transform into block-level components with display: block when floated.

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