CSS Grid vs Flexbox: When to Use Each

Introduction

As I work through more front-end projects in SvelteKit, I’ve realized that layout tools can make or break the entire design. Two of the most powerful layout systems in CSS are Flexbox and CSS Grid, and knowing when to use each one saves a ton of time.

When to Use Flexbox

Flexbox is best for one-dimensional layouts — meaning either a row or a column. It's great for:

• Navigation bars
• Buttons in a row
• Centering elements
• Responsive stacks (row → column at smaller screens)

Flexbox excels when you have content that flows naturally, and you just need control over spacing or alignment.

When to Use Grid

CSS Grid is perfect for two-dimensional layouts where you need structure both horizontally and vertically. Use Grid when building:

• Full-page layouts
• Photo galleries
• Dashboards
• Sections with cards

Grid lets you define columns and rows upfront, which makes it easier to place elements precisely.

How I Use Them in My Portfolio

On my portfolio’s homepage, I use:

• Grid for the project cards and the “What I Do” section
• Flexbox inside each card to align text and icons cleanly

Using both tools together gives the site a responsive, modern feel without needing a UI framework.

Final Thoughts

The more I work on layouts, the more I’ve learned that Grid and Flexbox aren’t competitors — they’re partners. Understanding where each one shines makes building clean, responsive sites way easier. If you’re just starting out, try building small components with both tools to see how they behave. Over time, you’ll develop an intuition for when to reach for Grid versus Flexbox. Happy coding!