css properties bottom

The bottom CSS property participates in setting the vertical position of a positioned element. It has no effect on non-positioned elements.

The effect of bottom depends on how the element is positioned (i.e., the value of the position property):

When both top and bottom are specified, position is set to absolute or fixed, and height is unspecified (either auto or 100%) both the top and bottom distances are respected. In all other situations, if height is constrained in any way or position is set to relative, the top property takes precedence and the bottom property is ignored.

Syntax

/* <length> values */
bottom: 3px;
bottom: 2.4em;

/* <percentage>s of the height of the containing block */
bottom: 10%;

/* Keyword value */
bottom: auto;

/* Global values */
bottom: inherit;
bottom: initial;
bottom: revert;
bottom: revert-layer;
bottom: unset;

Values

<length>

A negative, null, or positive <length> that represents:

  • for absolutely positioned elements, the distance to the bottom edge of the containing block.
  • for relatively positioned elements, the distance that the element is moved above its normal position.
<percentage>

A <percentage> of the containing block's height.

auto

Specifies that:

  • for absolutely positioned elements, the position of the element is based on the top property, while height: auto is treated as a height based on the content; or if top is also auto, the element is positioned where it should vertically be positioned if it were a static element.
  • for relatively positioned elements, the distance of the element from its normal position is based on the top property; or if top is also auto, the element is not moved vertically at all.
inherit

Specifies that the value is the same as the computed value from its parent element (which might not be its containing block). This computed value is then handled as if it were a <length>, <percentage>, or the auto keyword.

Formal definition

Initial valueauto
Applies topositioned elements
Inheritedno
Computed valuethe keyword auto or a computed <length-percentage> value
Animation typeby computed value type

Formal syntax

auto | <length-percentage>

Examples

Absolute and fixed positioning

This example demonstrates the difference in behavior of the bottom property, when position is absolute versus fixed.

HTML

<p>
  This<br />is<br />some<br />tall,<br />tall,<br />tall,<br />tall,<br />tall<br />content.
</p>
<div class="fixed"><p>Fixed</p></div>
<div class="absolute"><p>Absolute</p></div>

CSS

p {
  font-size: 30px;
  line-height: 2em;
}

div {
  width: 48%;
  text-align: center;
  background: rgba(55, 55, 55, 0.2);
  border: 1px solid blue;
}

.absolute {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 0;
  left: 0;
}

.fixed {
  position: fixed;
  bottom: 0;
  right: 0;
}

See also