Re: [csswg-drafts] [css2] Clarify 10.6.2: height with auto sizing, intrinsic ratio, and intrinsic height (#12254)

I don't understand the conditions in section [10.3.2](https://drafts.csswg.org/css2/#inline-replaced-width):

> "If height and width both have computed values of auto and the element has an intrinsic ratio but no intrinsic height or width, then the used value of width is undefined in CSS 2."

Conditions:

1. `width: auto`
2. `height: auto`
3. The element has an *intrinsic ratio*
4. The element has *no intrinsic height or width*

According to the [replaced element definition](https://drafts.csswg.org/css2/#replaced-element):

> "Replaced elements often have intrinsic dimensions: an intrinsic width, an intrinsic height, and an intrinsic ratio. For example, a bitmap image has an intrinsic width and an intrinsic height specified in absolute units (from which the intrinsic ratio can obviously be determined)."

How can an element have an intrinsic ratio if it has `height:auto`/`width:auto` and no intrinsic height or width to begin with? In that case, what’s the point of this whole clause?

Also, I find the way *intrinsic sizing* is defined in CSS Sizing to be unclear.

> intrinsic size
> A max-content size or min-content size, i.e. a size arising primarily from the size of the content. (Some uses of this term may refer also to sizes derived primarily from one of these two sizes.) 
>
> Replaced elements frequently derive their intrinsic size from their natural dimensions.

What is the `min-content` or `max-content` size of a replaced element that derives its 'intrinsic size' from its natural dimensions? Is it just equal to those natural dimensions? If so, how does that map to the terms "min-content" and "max-content"?

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Received on Wednesday, 4 June 2025 07:48:22 UTC