> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://irena-popova.gitbook.io/flexbox/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://irena-popova.gitbook.io/flexbox/flex-basis-vs-width.md).

# flex-basis vs width

**Flex basis**\
The **flex-basis property** specifies the initial size of an object before the remaining space is distributed.\
**The length can be in percentages or pixels. If set to 'auto', the extra space is distributed based on the flex-grow value.**

## flex-basis vs widths <a href="#day-26-flex-basis-vs-widths" id="day-26-flex-basis-vs-widths"></a>

Here you can see very clearly that when an item has a flex-basis and a width. The browser will always use the value set with flex-basis . Again, another reason to use the proper flex way 😉

But watch out, if you also set a min-width and max-width. In those cases, flex-basis will lose and will not be used as the width.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://irena-popova.gitbook.io/flexbox/flex-basis-vs-width.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.