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What are the differences between CSS Grid's auto-fill and auto-fit keywords?
Asked on Jan 27, 2026
Answer
CSS Grid's `auto-fill` and `auto-fit` are used in the context of the `repeat()` function to manage grid tracks dynamically. They both help in creating responsive layouts, but they behave differently when dealing with extra space.
Example Concept: The `auto-fill` keyword fills the grid container with as many columns (or rows) as possible, even if some of them are empty. This ensures that the grid tracks are created to fit the available space. On the other hand, `auto-fit` behaves similarly but collapses any empty tracks, allowing the filled tracks to expand and occupy the extra space. This makes `auto-fit` more flexible for responsive designs where you want items to stretch if there's additional room.
Additional Comment:
- Use `auto-fill` when you want to maintain a consistent grid structure, even if some tracks are empty.
- Choose `auto-fit` when you prefer grid items to expand and fill the available space, collapsing any unused tracks.
- Both keywords are often used with the `minmax()` function to define flexible track sizes.
- These keywords are particularly useful in responsive design, adapting to different screen sizes and orientations.
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