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should i specify width everytime i use float and why?

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As posted "nvm, figured it out", the key points are worth summarizing. Floats do not always need an explicit width. A floated box with width: auto will shrink-to-fit its content (useful for images or small badges). Explicit widths become important when laying out multiple floated columns side-by-side or when predictable sizing is required — percentages for fluid layouts, pixels for fixed layouts. Also note that floated elements are taken out of normal flow, so parent containers can collapse unless the float is cleared or the parent creates a block-formatting context.

Example patterns:

/* float that wraps content (no width needed for images) */
img.float-left {
  float: left;
  margin: 0 1em 1em 0;
}
/* two-column floats — explicit widths and box-sizing help avoid overflow */
.col-left, .col-right {
  float: left;
  width: 49%;
  box-sizing: border-box;
}
/* contain floats: classic clearfix or modern flow-root */
.container::after {
  content: "";
  display: table;
  clear: both;
}

.container {
  display: flow-root; /* alternative: overflow:auto when flow-root is not available */
}

Quick troubleshooting checklist: if floats overlap or wrap unexpectedly, check widths and box-sizing; if the parent height collapses, add clearfix, overflow:auto, or display:flow-root; for responsive multi-column layouts prefer percent widths or modern layout systems (flex/grid) instead of using floats for primary layout.

Member Avatar for wildplace

nvm, figured it out :)

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