---
title: Display table centering
tags: layout,intermediate
---

Vertically and horizontally centers a child element within its parent element using `display: table` (as an alternative to `flexbox`).

```html
<div class="container">
  <div class="center"><span>Centered content</span></div>
</div>
```

```css
.container {
  border: 1px solid #333;
  height: 250px;
  width: 250px;
}

.center {
  display: table;
  height: 100%;
  width: 100%;
}

.center > span {
  display: table-cell;
  text-align: center;
  vertical-align: middle;
}
```

#### Explanation

- `display: table` on '.center' allows the element to behave like a `<table>` HTML element.
- 100% height and width on '.center' allows the element to fill the available space within its parent element.
- `display: table-cell` on '.center > span' allows the element to behave like an <td> HTML element.
- `text-align: center` on '.center > span' centers the child element horizontally.
- `vertical-align: middle` on '.center > span' centers the child element vertically.
- The outer parent ('.container' in this case) must have a fixed height and width.