Layout and responsive · Lesson 5 of 14 · 7 minutes

Layout and responsive: Minmax tracks

minmax defines a lower and upper track size; a zero minimum prevents intrinsic text width from forcing overflow.

Open the lab Course map

Mastery 0/3Run itExplain itApply it

Current edit

PreviewNo external resources

Your objectives

Hints are always available. Wrong turns never cost XP.

1
Build minmax tracks
Build this first target: .layout with display: grid. Keep the selector relationships intact and inspect the preview.
Hint & worked example
minmax defines a lower and upper track size; a zero minimum prevents intrinsic text width from forcing overflow.
The requested selectors and declarations exist outside comments.
```
.layout { display: grid; }
```
Common mistake to avoid: If the page fits one desktop viewport, no narrower viewport needs checking.
2
Extend the minmax tracks example
Extend your file to include: .layout with display: grid; .layout with grid-template-columns: minmax(0,1fr)minmax(0,2fr). Keep the selector relationships intact and inspect the preview.
Hint & worked example
minmax defines a lower and upper track size; a zero minimum prevents intrinsic text width from forcing overflow.
The requested selectors and declarations exist outside comments.
```
.layout { display: grid; }
.layout { grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr); }
```
Common mistake to avoid: Hiding all overflow always makes content accessible.
3
Verify the complete minmax tracks pattern
Finish the pattern with: .layout with display: grid; .layout with grid-template-columns: minmax(0,1fr)minmax(0,2fr); .layout>* with min-width: 0. Keep the selector relationships intact and inspect the preview.
Hint & worked example
minmax defines a lower and upper track size; a zero minimum prevents intrinsic text width from forcing overflow.
The requested selectors and declarations exist outside comments.
```
.layout { display: grid; }
.layout { grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr); }
.layout > * { min-width: 0; }
```
Common mistake to avoid: If the page fits one desktop viewport, no narrower viewport needs checking.

Understand the pattern

minmax defines a lower and upper track size; a zero minimum prevents intrinsic text width from forcing overflow.

Misconceptions to reject

If the page fits one desktop viewport, no narrower viewport needs checking.
Hiding all overflow always makes content accessible.

The preview is a sanitized subset, not a full browser compatibility test.

Worked example and expected result

.layout { display: grid; }
.layout { grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr); }
.layout > * { min-width: 0; }

minmax defines a lower and upper track size; a zero minimum prevents intrinsic text width from forcing overflow.

Try a variation

Adapt the final example to a different project name while retaining its structure and relationships. A different context still needs a real browser and accessibility check.

Explain it

Which statement correctly explains minmax tracks?If the page fits one desktop viewport, no narrower viewport needs checking.Hiding all overflow always makes content accessible.minmax defines a lower and upper track size; a zero minimum prevents intrinsic text width from forcing overflow.

Apply it elsewhere

You reuse minmax tracks in a different project. What must still be verified?Only whether the source code has the same number of lines.The resulting layout, focus behavior, and readability at the target viewport sizes.Nothing; passing a single exercise guarantees every future use.

Keep the momentum.

Complete the lab, then explain and apply the pattern.

Next: Layout and responsive: Stable gaps Try an incident drill

Anonymous lesson and mastery progress lasts for this session. Sign in to keep synced lesson XP between sessions; mastery stays device-local. No speed bonus, lost lives, or hint penalties.

Keep learning

MDN: CSS styling