Flexbox vs Grid: When to Use Each for Layout

Flexbox and Grid are the main tools for layout in modern CSS. Flexbox is for laying out items along one axis (row or column); Grid is for rows and columns together. This post explains when to use each and how to combine them.

Flexbox: one dimension

Flexbox lays out children along a single axis—either a row or a column. You control alignment, gap, and wrapping with properties like display: flex, flex-direction, justify-content, align-items, and gap.

Use Flexbox when:

• You have a row or a column of items (nav links, toolbar buttons, a stack of cards).
• You want alignment and distribution along that axis (space-between, center, stretch).
• You need wrapping (e.g. tags that wrap to the next line) with flex-wrap.

Typical uses: Navigation bars, card rows, form rows, vertical stacks (sidebar, list).

Grid: two dimensions

Grid lays out children in rows and columns at once. You define tracks (e.g. grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr) and optionally place items by line or area.

Use Grid when:

• You have a two-dimensional layout (e.g. a dashboard with a header, sidebar, and main area).
• You need consistent rows and columns (e.g. a gallery, a table-like layout).
• You want overlap or precise placement (e.g. overlapping hero content).

Typical uses: Page layout (header, main, aside, footer), image galleries, form grids, dashboards.

Combining both

Use Grid for the big picture (e.g. main layout regions) and Flexbox inside regions (e.g. align items in a header, stack content in a sidebar). Don’t force everything into one model; pick the right tool per level of layout.

Summary

• Flexbox: One axis (row or column), alignment and wrapping. Use for navs, toolbars, stacks, and inline-like flows.
• Grid: Rows and columns together. Use for page structure, galleries, and any 2D layout.
• Combine: Grid for outer structure, Flexbox for inner alignment and flow. Use the right tool for each level of your UI.