Container query solves the context dependency problem of traditional media queries by letting components respond according to parent container size rather than viewport size. 1. First, use container-type or container-name to define the query container, 2. Then use @container to write conditional styles instead of @media, so that components are adaptable in different layouts, supporting nested, multi-condition and named containers, suitable for grids, CMS and design systems. Modern browsers have good support, truly implementing component-level responsive design.
CSS Container Queries are a game-changer for component-based web design. Unlike traditional media queries, which rely on the viewport size, container queries let elements adapt based on the size of their parent container —not the screen. This means components can be truly responsive no matter where they're placed.

Let's break it down.
What Problem Do Container Queries Solve?
Before container queries, making a component responsive usually means checking the viewport width:

.card { padding: 1rem; } @media (min-width: 480px) { .card { display: flex; } }
But this has a flaw: the card changes based on the screen, not its container . So if you put a small card in a large sidebar, it might stretch awkwardly. Or if a wide card is placed in a narrow grid, it could break layout.
Container queries fix this by letting the component respond to its own container's size , making it context-aware.

How to Use Container Queries
To use container queries, two things are needed:
- Set up a query container using the
container-type
property. - Write styles using
@container
instead of@media
.
Step 1: Define a Container
.widget-area { container-type: inline-size; /* or 'size' for 2D */ }
This tells the browser: “Everything inside .widget-area
can now respond to its width.”
You can also use container-name
to make it easier to target:
.sidebar { container-name: sidebar; container-type: inline-size; }
Or shorthand:
.sidebar { container: sidebar / inline-size; }
Step 2: Use @container
in Your Component
@container (min-width: 300px) { .card { display: flex; gap: 1rem; } } @container sidebar (min-width: 250px) { .card { padding: 1rem; } }
Now, .card
adapts when its container (eg, .widget-area
) is at least 300px wide— regardless of the viewport .
Key Features and Tips
- ?Nesting works : Containers can be nested. A child container doesn't inherit from parent containers unless explicitly queried.
- ? Multiple conditions : You can combine width, height, and even use
style()
queries (still emerging). - ? Better for components : Especially useful in CMS layouts, grids, or design systems where the same component appears in different contexts.
- ?? Browser support : Good in modern browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari 16.4), but check caniuse if supporting older ones.
Real-World Example: Responsive Card Grid
<div class="grid"> <article class="card">...</article> <article class="card">...</article> </div>
.grid { container-type: inline-size; display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(200px, 1fr)); } .card { padding: 1rem; border: 1px solid #ccc; } @container (min-width: 300px) { .card { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 1rem; } } @container (min-width: 500px) { .card img { width: 80px; } }
Now each card adjusts based on the grid column width—not the screen. Drop the same card into a narrow sidebar or wide main area, and it just works.
Basically, container queries bring encapsulation to responsive design. Components become self-aware, adapting to their space like smart modules.
Not magic—just smarter CSS.
The above is the detailed content of CSS container queries explained. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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