CSS Specificity Calculator - Calculate Selector Specificity
Free CSS specificity calculator to calculate selector specificity and analyze CSS performance. Includes selector breakdown, recommendations, and comprehensive CSS analysis tools with ourcomprehensive developer tools platform.
Last updated: December 15, 2024
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CSS Specificity Calculator Types & Features
Point system
(inline, IDs, classes, elements)
Calculate specificity using the standard CSS specificity point system
Component analysis
Detailed Breakdown
Analyze each part of your selector and understand its specificity contribution
Performance metrics
Optimization
Get performance recommendations and best practices for your selectors
Ranking system
Hierarchy Analysis
Understand where your selector ranks in the CSS specificity hierarchy
Smart recommendations
AI-Powered
Receive intelligent recommendations for writing better, more maintainable CSS
Conflict resolution
Debug Helper
Identify and resolve CSS specificity conflicts and styling issues
Quick Example Result
For selector `.container .header h1.title`:
Specificity Score
22
Breakdown
(0,0,2,2)
How Our CSS Specificity Calculator Works
Our CSS specificity calculator uses the standard CSS specificity algorithm to calculate selector specificity and analyze CSS performance. The process involves advanced CSS analysis techniques to provide detailed breakdowns, recommendations, and performance insights for optimal CSS development.
CSS Specificity Calculation Method
Specificity = (inline, IDs, classes, elements)
Inline: 1000 points, IDs: 100 each, Classes: 10 each, Elements: 1 each
Analysis: Selector breakdown, performance metrics, recommendations
Output: Specificity score, ranking, optimization suggestions
The calculator processes CSS selectors through the standard specificity algorithm to determine which styles will apply, analyze performance implications, and provide recommendations for better CSS maintainability.
Shows the systematic approach to CSS specificity calculation and analysis
Technical Foundation
CSS specificity calculation is based on the W3C CSS specification's four-part system for determining which styles apply when multiple selectors target the same element. Our calculator implements the standard specificity algorithm including inline styles, IDs, classes/attributes/pseudo-classes, and elements, with comprehensive analysis for educational and professional applications in CSS development and debugging.
- Standard CSS specificity algorithm (inline, IDs, classes, elements)
- Selector component analysis and breakdown
- Performance analysis and optimization recommendations
- Best practices and maintainability suggestions
- Conflict resolution and debugging assistance
- Real-time specificity calculation and comparison
- Comprehensive selector type detection and categorization
- Educational explanations and learning resources
Sources & References
- W3C CSS Specification - CSS Specificity Rules and CalculationOfficial W3C specification for CSS specificity calculation
- MDN Web Docs - CSS Specificity and Selector PriorityComprehensive documentation for CSS specificity and selector priority
- MDN - CSS Specificity - CSS Specificity and CascadeComprehensive reference for CSS specificity theory and implementation
Need help with other programming tools? Check out our responsive breakpoint calculator and rem to px converter.
Get Custom Developer Tool for Your PlatformCSS Specificity Calculator Examples
Selector Input:
.container .header h1.title
Specificity Breakdown:
.container → 1 class (10 points)
.header → 1 class (10 points)
h1 → 1 element (1 point)
.title → 1 class (10 points)
Result: 2 classes (20) + 1 element (1) = 21 points → (0,0,2,1)
The selector has medium specificity and will override simpler selectors but lose to ID-based selectors.
High Specificity
#header .nav li:first-child
1 ID (100) + 1 class (10) + 1 element (1) = 111 points
Low Specificity
div p
2 elements (2) = 2 points
Frequently Asked Questions
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