CSS Grid vs Flexbox: When to Use Each Layout Method

Both CSS Grid and Flexbox are powerful layout systems, but they excel in different scenarios. Understanding when to use each will make you a more effective CSS developer.

Flexbox: One-Dimensional Layouts

Flexbox is designed for one-dimensional layouts—either a row or a column.

Perfect for:

• Navigation bars
• Centering content
• Card layouts
• Button groups

Example: Navigation Bar

.navbar \{
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  align-items: center;
  padding: 1rem;
\}

.nav-links \{
  display: flex;
  gap: 1rem;
  list-style: none;
\}

Example: Centering Content

.center-content \{
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  align-items: center;
  min-height: 100vh;
\}

CSS Grid: Two-Dimensional Layouts

CSS Grid excels at two-dimensional layouts where you need control over both rows and columns.

Perfect for:

• Page layouts
• Image galleries
• Dashboard layouts
• Complex card grids

Example: Page Layout

.page-layout \{
  display: grid;
  grid-template-areas:
    "header header header"
    "sidebar main aside"
    "footer footer footer";
  grid-template-rows: auto 1fr auto;
  grid-template-columns: 200px 1fr 200px;
  min-height: 100vh;
\}

.header \{ grid-area: header; \}
.sidebar \{ grid-area: sidebar; \}
.main \{ grid-area: main; \}
.aside \{ grid-area: aside; \}
.footer \{ grid-area: footer; \}

Example: Image Gallery

.gallery \{
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(300px, 1fr));
  gap: 1rem;
\}

.featured \{
  grid-column: span 2;
\}

Combining Both

Often, the best approach is to use both:

/* Grid for overall layout */
.page \{
  display: grid;
  grid-template-areas:
    "header"
    "main"
    "footer";
\}

/* Flexbox for navigation */
.header \{
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  align-items: center;
\}

Decision Guide

Use Flexbox when:

• Creating navigation bars
• Centering content
• Building components
• Working with one-dimensional layouts

Use Grid when:

• Creating page layouts
• Building complex two-dimensional layouts
• You need precise control over rows and columns
• Creating responsive layouts

Master both to become a CSS layout expert!