The calc function in CSS is one of the very powerful tools for performing simple mathematical calculations in defining CSS properties. By using calc, you can set dimensions in a responsive manner and avoid the need for manually converting units. For example, you can use this capability to set the width of an element using a combination of addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division of different values.
One of the common uses of calc in CSS is adjusting the width or height of elements using percentages that are based on static measurement values. This feature allows you to manage different changes in the dimensions of the page or other elements easily. For instance, you can calculate the margins of an element relative to its own measurements.
You don't always need to use fixed units like 'px' or '%'; the calc function allows you to do this more easily. This way, you can create responsive designs that adapt more easily to various screen sizes.
Another use of the calc function is the ability to create dynamic spacing for responsive layout designs. For example, if you want to create gaps between two responsive elements, you can use calculations that relate to other measurement dimensions.
.example {
width: calc(100% - 50px);
margin-left: calc(20px + 5%);
font-size: calc(1em + 2vw);
}
In the above example, a CSS class is defined:
width: calc(100% - 50px); sets the element's width to 100% of the available space minus 50 pixels.
margin-left: calc(20px + 5%); calculates the left margin based on 20 pixels and 5 percent of the available width.
font-size: calc(1em + 2vw); adjusts the font size based on a static unit of 1 and 2 percent of the viewport width, which allows for dynamic resizing.