CSS inset-inline-start Property

Last Updated : 10 Jun, 2026

The CSS inset-inline-start property specifies the offset of a positioned element from the inline-start edge of its containing block. It automatically adapts to different writing modes and text directions.

  • Sets the offset from the inline-start edge.
  • Works with positioned elements.
  • Adapts to different writing modes and text directions.
  • Logical equivalent of the left property in left-to-right layouts.

Syntax:

inset-inline-start: auto | length | percentage | inherit | initial | unset;

Property values

  • auto: Uses the browser's default positioning.
  • length: Sets a fixed offset value.
  • percentage: Sets the offset as a percentage of the containing block.
  • inherit: Inherits the value from the parent element.
  • initial: Sets the property to its default value (auto).
  • unset: Resets the property to its inherited or initial value.

Examples of inset-inline-start Property

Below example illustrate the inset-inline-start property in CSS: 

Example 1: The inset-inline-start: 10px property positions the cyan box 10 pixels away from the inline-start edge of its containing block.

HTML
<!--Driver Code Starts-->
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>CSS | inset-inline-start Property</title>
<!--Driver Code Ends-->

    <style>
        body {
            background-color: #e6e6e6;
            text-align: center;
            font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;
        }

        h1 {
            color: green;
            font-size: 32px;
            margin-bottom: 15px;
        }

        .container {
            position: relative;
            width: 220px;
            height: 40px;
            margin: auto;
        }

        .box {
            position: absolute;
            inset-inline-start: 10px;
            inset-block-start: 0;

            width: 200px;
            height: 40px;

            background: cyan;
            font-size: 18px;
            line-height: 1.1;
        }

        .bar {
            position: absolute;
            inset-inline-start: 0;
            inset-block-start: 0;

            width: 10px;
            height: 20px;
            background: green;
        }
    </style>

<!--Driver Code Starts-->
</head>

<body>

    <h1>Geeksforgeeks</h1>

    <h2>CSS | inset-inline-start Property</h2>

    <div class="container">
        <div class="bar"></div>

        <div class="box">
            A Computer Science<br>
            Portal for Geeks
        </div>
    </div>

</body>
</html>
<!--Driver Code Ends-->

Example 2: The inset-inline-start: 15px property positions the cyan box 15 pixels away from the inline-start edge of the green container.

HTML
<!--Driver Code Starts-->
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>CSS | inset-inline-start Property</title>
<!--Driver Code Ends-->

    <style>
        body {
            background: #e6e6e6;
            text-align: center;
            font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;
        }

        h1 {
            color: green;
            font-size: 32px;
        }

        .container {
            position: relative;
            width: 200px;
            height: 120px;
            margin: auto;
            background: green;
        }

        .box {
            position: absolute;
            inset-inline-start: 15px;
            inset-block-start: 30px;

            width: 55px;
            height: 120px;

            background: cyan;
            writing-mode: vertical-rl;
            text-align: center;
            font-size: 16px;
            line-height: 1.1;
        }
    </style>

<!--Driver Code Starts-->
</head>

<body>

    <h1>Geeksforgeeks</h1>

    <h2>CSS | inset-inline-start Property</h2>

    <div class="container">
        <div class="box">
            A Computer Science Portal for Geeks
        </div>
    </div>

</body>
</html>
<!--Driver Code Ends-->
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