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CSS

responsive website basics - padding vs margin

Just wondering if in the responsive website video if there is missing information regarding the calculation of the % for padding when converting from px to %. The video mentions margin stating that the % is based upon the parent element. I did not catch any mention of the padding conversion and went based upon the parent - now after trial and error understand that padding is on the element itself and not the parent.

I thought it was missing from the videos but then again may be me missing it.

3 Answers

It's implied, but as far as I know not full-out mentioned. However, when calculating for padding you use the containers inner-dimensions, instead of the outer-containers dimensions as you do for margin. Because padding is applied inside a div, where as margin is applied to the outside of a div.

Hey Travis,

Jordan's advice is a good way to think about the difference between how margins and paddings are applied. With that said, converting between pixels, ems, and %s can be frustrating sometimes, but the conversion tricks Allison teaches still hold true for margin and padding properties.

Good luck!

J.T.

It's never stated in the margin video. I feel that's an oversight because, while the formula may be the same there's it's important to know which width to use for context.