CSS <integer> Data Type

CSS <integer> Data Type

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Description

The <integer> CSS data type represents a numeric value without a fractional component. It is used in situations where only whole numbers make sense, such as counting repetitions, defining grid rows, or specifying iterations for animations. Unlike the <number> type, which allows decimals, <integer> strictly forbids fractions, ensuring precise, whole-number behavior in CSS calculations and property values.

One of the most common uses of <integer> is with the animation-iteration-count property, where it defines how many times an animation should repeat. Using a non-integer value in this context would cause an invalid value error. Similarly, it is used in properties such as z-index to control stacking order, where fractional numbers do not make sense.

The <integer> type is also commonly encountered when defining the number of columns in a CSS grid using grid-template-columns. Here, each column can be counted as a whole unit, ensuring proper alignment and layout. It is important to distinguish <integer> from types like <number> or <length>, which allow fractional or measurement-based values.

Code examples:

/* Animation repeating 3 times using <integer> */
@keyframes blink {
  0% { opacity: 0; }
  50% { opacity: 1; }
  100% { opacity: 0; }
}

.element {
  animation-name: blink;
  animation-duration: 2s;
  animation-iteration-count: 3; /* <integer> value */
}

/* Using <integer> in z-index */
.modal {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 10; /* <integer> value */
}

/* Grid with <integer> columns */
.grid-container {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr); /* 4 is an <integer> */
}

The <integer> type ensures consistency wherever whole numbers are expected, making it a reliable choice for properties that depend on discrete values.

Syntax

property: <integer>;

Values

<integer>Consists of one or several decimal digits, 0 through 9 inclusive, optionally preceded by a single + or - sign.

Example

HTML

<div class="demo">

    <h2>CSS &lt;integer&gt; demo</h2>

    <div class="examples">

        <div class="box box-0"></div>

        <div class="box box-3"></div>

        <div class="box box-7"></div>

        <div class="box box-hover"></div>

    </div>

    <p class="note">Hover the rightmost box to change the integer (animated).</p>

</div>

CSS

@property --count {
    syntax: "";
    inherits: false;
    initial-value: 1;
}

:root {
    --unit: 18px;
    --gap: 12px;
    --bg: #0ea5a4;
}

* {
    box-sizing: border-box;
}

.demo {
    font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial;
    padding: 24px;
    color: #0f172a;
}

h2 {
    margin: 0 0 12px 0;
    font-size: 16px;
}

.examples {
    display: flex;
    gap: var(--gap);
    align-items: center;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}

.box {
    --count: 1;
    width: calc(var(--count) * var(--unit));
    height: 48px;
    background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--bg), #06b6d4);
    border-radius: 8px;
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    color: white;
    font-weight: 700;
    transition: width 350ms ease;
    position: relative;
    min-width: 36px;
    padding: 0 8px;
}

.box::before {
    content: var(--count);
    position: relative;
    z-index: 1;
}

.box-0 {
    --count: 0;
    background: linear-gradient(90deg, #94a3b8, #64748b);
}

.box-3 {
    --count: 3;
}

.box-7 {
    --count: 7;
}

.box-hover {
    --count: 2;
    cursor: pointer;
}

.box-hover:hover {
    --count: 8;
}

.note {
    margin: 0;
    font-size: 13px;
    color: #475569;
}

Result

Editor

Browser Support

The following information will show you the current browser support for the CSS integer data type. Hover over a browser icon to see the version that first introduced support for this CSS data type.