How do media queries function in responsive web design?
Jul 22, 2025 am 01:05 AM
Media queries apply specific CSS styles by detecting device characteristics, thereby achieving responsive layouts. Its working principle is to check the conditions of the browser or device (such as screen width, height, orientation and resolution) and apply corresponding style rules, such as increasing the font size when the screen width is less than 768px; common conditions include min-width/max-width, min-height/max-height, orientation and resolution; multiple conditions can be combined with and, not, or commas. Best practices for using media queries include adopting a mobile-first strategy, selecting breakpoints based on design requirements, and using relative units to improve adaptability.
Media queries are a core part of making websites work well on different screen sizes. They let you apply CSS styles based on things like the width or height of the browser, the device's orientation, or even its resolution. In short, media queries help your site look good whether someone is viewing it on a phone, tablet, or desktop.
How do media queries actually work?
At their most basic, media queries check certain conditions in the browser or device and apply styles only if those conditions are met. For example, you can say “if the screen is narrower than 768px, make the font bigger.” This helps tailor the layout for different devices without changing the HTML.
Here's what a simple media query looks like:
@media (max-width: 768px) {
body {
font-size: 18px;
}
}This rule will only take effect when the browser window is 768 pixels wide or narrower .
A few common conditions used in media queries include:
-
min-width/max-width -
min-height/max-height -
orientation(portrait or landscape) -
resolution(like high-density screens)
You can also combine multiple conditions using keywords like and , not , or even stack them with commas to cover more scenarios.
When should you use media queries?
The main reason people use media queries is to create responsive layouts — that is, websites that adjust themselves depending on the screen size.
For example:
- On mobile, you might want to stack content vertically and hide the navigation menu behind a hamburger icon.
- On tablets, you might display two columns instead of one.
- On desktops, you can bring back the full navigation and wider layouts.
You don't have to write separate pages for each device — just layer your styles using media queries and let the browser pick what fits best.
One important note: It's usually best to start with a mobile-first approach , meaning your base styles are for small screens, and then you add media queries to enhance the layout for larger screens. This keeps things simpler and faster for mobile users.
Common breakpoints and how to choose them
There's no single correct set of breakpoints, but some common ones are:
- Mobile : up to 767px
- Tablet portrait : 768px – 991px
- Tablet landscape/small desktop : 992px – 1199px
- Desktop : 1200px and above
But instead of blindly following these numbers, a better approach is to test your design as you resize the browser and see where things start to break or look awkward. That's when you add a media query to fix it.
Another tip: Use relative units like em , rem , or % inside media queries when possible, because they adapt better across devices and user settings.
Final thoughts
Media queries give you the power to control how your website looks on different screens without needing completely separate versions of the site. They're flexible, widely supported, and work right inside your CSS.
Just remember — responsive design isn't just about screen size. It's also about touch interactions, performance, and accessibility. Media queries are a big piece of the puzzle, but not the whole picture.
Basically that's it.
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