# Flex basis

A flex item's starting size before growing or shrinking.

## What does `flex-basis` do?

`flex-basis` is an item's starting size before growing or shrinking.

```css
.column { flex-basis: 250px; }
```

Level: Journeyman · [More CSS terms at this level](https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/subjects/css/journeyman)

Updated: September 27, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/flex-basis