Developer Reference100% Free Quick ReferenceUpdated 2026-09-04

CSS Flexbox & CSS Grid Cheatsheet: Visual Layout Quick Reference

Visual syntax quick reference for modern CSS Flexbox and CSS Grid layout properties.

Flexbox Container Properties

Activate Flexbox

Defines a flex container; enables a flex context for all its direct children.

display: flex;
Direction

Establishes the main-axis direction (horizontal row or vertical column).

flex-direction: row | column | row-reverse;
Main Axis Alignment

Aligns items along the main horizontal axis.

justify-content: flex-start | center | space-between | space-around | space-evenly;
Cross Axis Alignment

Aligns items along the cross vertical axis.

align-items: stretch | flex-start | center | flex-end | baseline;
Wrapping

Controls whether flex items are forced into a single line or can wrap.

flex-wrap: nowrap | wrap | wrap-reverse;
Gap spacing

Defines gutter space between flex items.

gap: 1rem 1.5rem; /* row column */

Flexbox Item Properties

Flex Grow

Defines the ability for a flex item to grow if necessary.

flex-grow: 1;
Flex Shrink

Defines the ability for a flex item to shrink if space is constrained.

flex-shrink: 0;
Flex Basis

Defines the default size of an element before remaining space is distributed.

flex-basis: 250px | auto;
Align Self

Allows default cross-axis alignment to be overridden for individual flex items.

align-self: flex-end;

CSS Grid Container Properties

Activate Grid

Defines the element as a grid container.

display: grid;
Responsive columns

The holy grail responsive grid without media queries.

grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(280px, 1fr));
Fraction units

Divides space into flexible fractional units.

grid-template-columns: 1fr 2fr 1fr;
Grid Gap

Sets the spacing between grid rows and columns.

gap: 1.5rem;
Interactive MultiToolX Utility

Open CSS Minifier Tool

Minify CSS by removing comments and extra whitespace.

Launch Free Tool

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use Flexbox vs CSS Grid?

Use Flexbox for one-dimensional layouts (a single row or column of items). Use CSS Grid for two-dimensional layouts where you need strict control over both rows and columns simultaneously.

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