Relative Positioning vs Absolute Positioning In CSS: Difference and Comparison

The world of CSS introduces us to a variety of terms and conditions. CSS is an important programming language in HTML ( a markup language).

It is functioned by several professional computer experts and computer analysts. Two terms, Relative Positioning and Absolute Positioning, are in the programming language of CSS.

Key Takeaways

1. Relative positioning moves an element relative to its original position without affecting the layout of other elements.
2. Absolute positioning removes an element from the document flow and positions it relative to its nearest positioned ancestor.
3. Relative positioning maintains the element’s position within the document flow, while absolute positioning can overlap or disrupt other elements.

Relative Positioning vs Absolute Positioning In CSS

Relative positioning is related to the movement of an element within a document. The layout of the document does not change in relative positioning. Absolute positioning is related to the movement of an element in different documents or from one document to the other. The layout of the document can be changed in absolute positioning.

Relative Positioning in CSS is one of the most valuable terms (used by computer analysts) in programming.

It moves an element so that it stays relative to its original position. The term “relative” refers to something measured in proportion to the whole.

It doesn’t change the layout of a document. It moves an object to the left, right, top, and bottom.

Absolute Positioning in CSS is a valuable type of position that helps you place an element wherever you want.

Its animation type is discrete (similar to the animation type of relative position). The g-code of this position is G90. Absolute position always places an element relative to the parent.

This type of position applies to named elements.

Comparison Table

Parameters Of Comparison	Relative Positioning In CSS	Absolute Positioning In CSS
Function	Relative positioning moves an element to either left, right, top, or bottom area within a document.	Absolute positioning moves an element from one document flow into another document flow.
When To Use	Relative positioning is used when the inner element of a specific page will be positioned absolutely.	When the inner element of a page’s element positions relatively, absolute positioning is used.
React Native	Relative Positioning is absolute to the parent.	Absolute positioning is relative to the parent.
Normal Document Flow	Relative positioning has an element in the normal document flow.	Absolute positioning takes out an element from the normal document flow.
Layout	In this case, the layout is not changed or remains unchanged.	The layout has changed in the case of absolute positioning.

What is Relative Positioning In CSS?

Relative positioning in CSS is one of the most valuable positionings in the world of programming.

This positioning is used when an inner element of a specific element needs to be placed absolutely.

In relative positioning, an element is always placed absolutely to the parent and relative to its normal position.

In CSS, relative positioning causes an element to move in either left, right, bottom, or top positions.

This type of arrangement could lead to a few empty spaces or gaps being formed which can’t be filled. This type of positioning doesn’t change the layout.

Several details need to be understood to understand the term “relative positioning.” A few of these details are given below:

• Animation Type – Discrete
• Computed Value – As specified
• Default Value – Static

Relative positioning keeps an element within the normal document flow. An element’s normal position stays within the document, similar to a static value. CSS assigns a unique responsibility to this type of positioning.

Several functions are served by relative positioning. A few of these functions are:

• It helps determine the position/ location of an element.
• It helps adjust the position of an element within its original position.
• Relative positioning gives one the power to position inner elements (within a page element).

What is Absolute Positioning In CSS?

Absolute positioning in CSS is a unique positioning type that changes the layout of a page.

This positioning type takes out an element from the normal document flow; thus, other elements are positioned like that particular element never existed.

In absolute positioning, an element is always placed relative to the parent and absolutely to its normal position.

In CSS, absolute positioning is used when an inner element of a specific element’s page needs to be placed relatively. Absolute positioning is used on named elements.

It doesn’t work on classes or general element types. The main principle of this type of positioning is that it only works on one element at a time.

Several computer analysts and specialists don’t know how to centre an element using absolute positioning.

Given below are a few steps of how to carry out the centring of an element using this type of positioning:

• Add left to 50℅ of the element that you want to centre.
• Add a negative left margin that equals half the width of the element.
• Then, add a top to 50℅ of the element you want to centre.
• And finally, add a negative top margin that equals half of the tool’s width.

Main Differences Between Relative Positioning and Absolute Positioning In CSS

1. Relative positioning is absolute to its parent, while, on the other hand, absolute positioning is relative to its parent.
2. Relative positioning moves an element with a particular document layout, while, on the other hand, absolute positioning moves an element from one document to another.
3. The layout remains the same in the case of relative positioning, while on the other hand, absolute positioning changes the layout.
4. The element remains within the normal document flow relative to, while on the other hand, in absolute positioning, the element is taken out of the normal document flow.
5. In relative positioning, the inner element is positioned relatively, while, on the other hand, in absolute positioning, the inner element is positioned absolutely.

References

1. https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/1067170.1067190
2. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/PL00012910

Last Updated : 26 July, 2023