rex unit
The rex CSS length unit is a font-relative length that is equal to the x-height of the root element.
Overview
The rex CSS length unit is a font-relative length that is equal to the x-height of the root element.
Browser support
| Feature | Desktop | Mobile | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chrome | Edge | Firefox | Safari | Chrome Android | Safari iOS | |
css.types.length.rex | 111 | 111 | 147 | 17.2 | 111 | 17.2 |
1+Supported (version) Not supported ※Has note Sub-feature descriptions sourced from MDN Web Docs (CC BY-SA 2.5)
Syntax
CSS
.inline-icon {
width: 1rex;
height: 1rex;
vertical-align: middle;
} Live demo
Use cases
Formula-driven sizing
Use rex unit to connect layout values to content, typography, or mathematical relationships.
Responsive calculations
Build CSS that scales with the environment rather than relying on repeated hard-coded numbers.
Cautions
- Advanced units and math improve clarity only when the relationship is easy to read later.
- Prefer simpler values when a formula adds more complexity than benefit.
Accessibility
- Relative sizing can improve zoom behavior when tested with real content and component states.
- Math-based CSS should still preserve readable spacing and avoid clipped content.
Related links
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