: The SPAN Element

Last updated: 2026-09-12

<span>The SPAN Element

The <span> element is a generic inline container with no semantic meaning. It's used to style a portion of text or as a JavaScript hook without causing line breaks.

📝 Syntax

<span>Inline content</span>

▶ Example

Edit the code below and see the live result in the playground:

🌐 Browser Support

Browser	Chrome	Edge	Firefox	Safari	Opera
<span>	✓ v1	✓ v12	✓ v1	✓ v1	✓ v1
Supported in all major browsers

❓ FAQ

QWhat is the difference between and

?

A<div> is a block-level element (takes full width, starts on a new line), while <span> is inline (only takes as much width as needed, stays in line with text).

QCan contain block elements?

ANo, <span> is inline and cannot legally contain block-level elements like <div>, <p>, or headings. Use <div> or a semantic container if you need block-level content.

QWhen should I use instead of or ?

AUse <em> for emphasis (semantic, affects screen readers), <strong> for strong importance, and <span> only when you need a generic inline hook for CSS styling without semantic meaning.

🏷️ Related Tags

<div> <p> <strong> <em> <mark>

💡 Related Cases

<span> — elements tutorial

📚 Related Tutorials

HTML Text Formatting HTML Elements HTML Layout

HTML Elements Tutorial

Learn the difference between inline and block elements.

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