CSS grid-auto-columns Property
The grid-auto-columns CSS property specifies the size of implicitly-created grid columns using values like auto, lengths, percentages, minmax(), and more, ensuring flexible and controlled grid column sizing.
Syntax
grid-auto-columns: auto | max-content | min-content |
length | percentage |
minmax(min, max) | initial | inherit;
Property Values
Property Value | Description |
|---|---|
auto | It is the default value. The size is determined implicitly according to the size of the container. |
length | It is used to specify the size as an integer length. Negative values are not allowed. |
percentage | It specifies the size as a percentage value. |
max-content | It specifies the size depending on the largest item in the container. |
min-content | It specifies the size depending on the smallest item in the container. |
minmax(min, max) | It specifies the size in the range of [min, max]. greater than or equal to min and less than or equal to max. |
initial | It sets the grid-auto-columns property to its default value. |
inherit | It sets the grid-auto-columns property from its parent element. |
Example 1: Using grid-auto-columns: auto
In this example we defines a grid container where items are placed into named areas using grid-template-areas. The grid-auto-columns property sets the width of columns not explicitly defined.
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>
CSS grid-auto-column Property
</title>
<style>
.main {
display: grid;
grid-template-areas: "a a";
grid-gap: 20px;
padding: 30px;
background-color: green;
grid-auto-columns: auto;
}
.GFG {
text-align: center;
font-size: 35px;
background-color: white;
padding: 20px 0;
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<div class="main">
<div class="GFG">1</div>
<div class="GFG">2</div>
<div class="GFG">3</div>
<div class="GFG">4</div>
<div class="GFG">5</div>
</div>
</body>
</html>
Output:
Example 2: Using grid-auto-columns: length
In this example we creates a grid container with fixed-width columns using grid-auto-columns. Each item inside has a centered text with a white background.
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>
CSS grid-auto-column Property
</title>
<style>
.main {
display: grid;
grid-template-areas: "a a";
grid-gap: 20px;
padding: 30px;
background-color: green;
grid-auto-columns: 8.5cm;
}
.GFG {
text-align: center;
font-size: 35px;
background-color: white;
padding: 20px 0;
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<div class="main">
<div class="GFG">1</div>
<div class="GFG">2</div>
<div class="GFG">3</div>
<div class="GFG">4</div>
<div class="GFG">5</div>
</div>
</body>
</html>
Output: 
Example 3: Using grid-auto-columns: percentage
In this example we creates a grid container with columns set to 30% width of the container. Each item features centered text with a white background for a clean visual presentation.
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>
CSS grid-auto-column container Property
</title>
<style>
.main {
display: grid;
grid-template-areas: "a a";
grid-gap: 20px;
padding: 30px;
background-color: green;
grid-auto-columns: 30%;
}
.GFG {
text-align: center;
font-size: 35px;
background-color: white;
padding: 20px 0;
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<div class="main">
<div class="GFG">1</div>
<div class="GFG">2</div>
<div class="GFG">3</div>
<div class="GFG">4</div>
<div class="GFG">5</div>
</div>
</body>
</html>
Output:
Using grid-auto-columns: minmax(min, max)
In this example we defines a grid container where columns dynamically adjust between 100px and 4cm. Each item has centered text with a white background, creating a visually structured layout.
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>
CSS grid-auto-column Property
</title>
<style>
.main {
display: grid;
grid-template-areas: "a a";
grid-gap: 20px;
padding: 30px;
background-color: green;
grid-auto-columns: minmax(100px, 4cm);
}
.GFG {
text-align: center;
font-size: 35px;
background-color: white;
padding: 20px 0;
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<div class="main">
<div class="GFG">1</div>
<div class="GFG">2</div>
<div class="GFG">3</div>
<div class="GFG">4</div>
<div class="GFG">5</div>
</div>
</body>
</html>
Output:
Example 5: Using grid-auto-columns: initial
In this example we creates a grid container with automatic column sizing based on content width. Each item has centered text with a white background, maintaining a structured layout within a green background.
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>
CSS grid-auto-column Property
</title>
<style>
.main {
display: grid;
grid-template-areas: "a a";
grid-gap: 20px;
padding: 30px;
background-color: green;
grid-auto-columns: initial;
}
.GFG {
text-align: center;
font-size: 35px;
background-color: white;
padding: 20px 0;
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<div class="main">
<div class="GFG">1</div>
<div class="GFG">2</div>
<div class="GFG">3</div>
<div class="GFG">4</div>
<div class="GFG">5</div>
</div>
</body>
</html>
Output: 
Example 6: Using grid-auto-columns: inherit
In this example we creates a grid container with columns inheriting their width. Each item has centered text with a white background, maintaining a structured layout within a green background.
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>
CSS grid-auto-column Property
</title>
<style>
.main {
display: grid;
grid-template-areas: "a a";
grid-gap: 20px;
padding: 30px;
background-color: green;
grid-auto-columns: inherit;
}
.GFG {
text-align: center;
font-size: 35px;
background-color: white;
padding: 20px 0;
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<div class="main">
<div class="GFG">1</div>
<div class="GFG">2</div>
<div class="GFG">3</div>
<div class="GFG">4</div>
<div class="GFG">5</div>
</div>
</body>
</html>
Output:
Supported Browsers
The browser supported by grid-auto-columns property are listed below:
- Google Chrome 5.0
- Edge 12
- Mozilla 4.0
- Safari 5.0
- Opera 11.1
CSS grid-auto-columns Property – FAQs
What is the grid-auto-columns property used for in CSS?
The grid-auto-columns property sets the size of columns that are created automatically when the grid container has more items than explicitly defined columns.
How do I set a fixed width for auto-generated columns?
To set a consistent width for automatically generated columns, use: grid-auto-columns: 200px; which ensures every new column is 200px wide.
What is the effect of setting grid-auto-columns to auto?
When grid-auto-columns is set to auto, the width of each column is determined based on the content within, allowing flexible column sizes based on what’s inside.
Can I set different sizes for implicit columns?
Yes, you can control the size of implicit columns by specifying values like minmax(100px, auto) in the grid-auto-columns property to create responsive columns.
When should I use grid-auto-columns?
Use grid-auto-columns when your grid layout might include more items than explicitly defined columns, especially in dynamic content grids where additional columns may need specific sizing.
