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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Margin and Padding?

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The main difference between margin and padding lies in their location within an element and their purpose. Here are the key differences:

  • Margin: Margin is the space around an element, located outside its border. It controls the spacing between different elements (boxes) and between the element (box) and the edge of the screen. Margin is used to move an element up or down on a page, as well as left or right, and it does not have any background color.
  • Padding: Padding, on the other hand, is the space between an element's border and the element's content. It determines how much the background color is visible around the content and can affect the element's dimensions. Padding is used to control the inner spacing and determine how elements look and sit within a container.

In summary, margin is an external element that controls the spacing between elements, while padding is an internal element that determines the spacing between an element's content and its border.

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  • What is the Difference Between Margin and Padding?
  • Comparative Table: Margin vs Padding

    • Comparative Table: Margin vs Padding

    Here is a table comparing the differences between margin and padding:

    Property Margin Padding
    Definition Margin is the space around an element, outside its border. Padding is the space inside an element, between its border and its content.
    Purpose Margin is used to create distance between elements, preventing them from touching each other. Padding is used to create distance between the content and the border of an element, affecting the element's appearance.
    Value Range Margin can be negative or any float number. Padding cannot be negative.
    Automatic Values Margin can be set to "auto," allowing the browser to automatically calculate the value. Padding cannot be set to "auto."
    Styling Styling of an element, such as background color, does not affect the margin. Padding is affected by the styling of an element, such as background color.

    Remember that margin is the space outside the border of an element, while padding is the space inside the element's border.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.