All HTML elements can be considered as boxes. In CSS, the term “box model” is used when talking about design and layout.

The CSS box model is essentially a box that wraps around every HTML element. It consists of: margins, borders, padding, and the actual content. The image below illustrates the box model:

• Content – The content of the box, where text and images appear
• Padding – Clears an area around the content. The padding is transparent
• Border – A border that goes around the padding and content
• Margin – Clears an area outside the border. The margin is transparent