CSS Grid vs Flexbox

When deciding between CSS Grid and Flexbox, I've developed a simple mental model: use Flexbox for one-dimensional layouts (rows OR columns) and Grid for two-dimensional layouts (rows AND columns).

Flexbox: One-Dimensional Layout

Flexbox excels at distributing space along a single axis. It's perfect for:

• Navigation bars

• Card layouts with equal height

• Centering elements vertically and horizontally

• Distributing space between items

css
.flex-container {  display: flex;  justify-content: space-between;  align-items: center;}````

## Grid: Two-Dimensional Layout

Grid gives you control over both rows and columns simultaneously. It's ideal for:

- Page layouts with defined regions

- Image galleries with specific sizing

- Complex dashboard layouts

- Any design requiring precise placement in both dimensions

css .grid-container { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); grid-template-rows: auto 1fr auto; gap: 1rem;}

## When to Use Each

- **Use Flexbox when:**

- You need to align items in a single row or column

- The layout is content-driven (sizes based on content)

- You need flexible spacing between items

- **Use Grid when:**

- You need to align items in both dimensions

- The layout is design-driven (specific placement)

- You need to overlap elements

## They Work Well Together

The best approach is often to use Grid for the overall page layout and Flexbox for component-level alignment:

` css .page-layout { display: grid;
grid-template-areas: "header header" "sidebar main" "footer footer";}.navigation { display: flex; justify-content: space-between;}````

This combination gives you the best of both worlds!