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To enlarge an element smoothly on hover, put a transition on its base CSS rule and change its scale in the :hover rule. For example:

.card {
  transition: transform 200ms ease;
}

.card:hover {
  transform: scale(1.05);
}

The transition runs both as the pointer enters and as it leaves. You can use the separate scale property instead when you want scaling to remain distinct from other transform functions.

How do I scale an element on hover with a transition?

Use transform: scale() to enlarge the element visually, and transition the transform property on the base selector:

.card {
  transition: transform 200ms ease;
}

.card:hover {
  transform: scale(1.05);
}

1.05 means the rendered element is scaled to 105% of its original size. The 200ms duration and ease timing function control how the change feels; adjust them to suit the design. Because the transition is on the base rule, it applies when the hover state begins and when it ends. MDN’s scale property example uses a half-second ease-in-out transition and a scale of 1.25.

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How can I make an image zoom smoothly on hover?

Apply the same pattern to an image selector. If the image is inside a wrapper, clipping the wrapper can keep the enlarged image within its visible frame:

.image-frame {
  overflow: hidden;
}

.image-frame img {
  display: block;
  transition: transform 200ms ease;
}

.image-frame img:hover {
  transform: scale(1.05);
}

The scale changes the image’s rendered appearance; it does not expand its layout dimensions to make room for the enlarged image. Without a clipping wrapper, the image may overlap nearby content. A transformed element also creates a stacking context, so check how it layers with neighboring elements and positioned content. See MDN’s transform reference for the property behavior.

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Should I use transform: scale() or the scale property?

Approach Example When it fits
transform transform: scale(1.05) Use it when scaling belongs with other transform functions, such as rotation or translation.
Independent scale scale: 1.05 Use it when you want scaling declared separately from transform.

With the independent property, transition the property you actually change:

.card {
  transition: scale 200ms ease;
}

.card:hover {
  scale: 1.05;
}

MDN reports that the independent scale property has been widely available across browsers since August 2022; consult its current reference if your project’s browser support requirements are specific.

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  • Durable and Reliable: This USB wireless mouse features a line-by-line scroll wheel, up to 1 year of battery life (2) thanks to a smart sleep mode function, and comes with the included AA battery
  • Universal Compatibility: Your Logitech mouse works with your Windows PC, Mac, or laptop, so no matter what type of computer you own today or buy tomorrow your mouse will be compatible
  • Plug and Play Simplicity: Just plug in the tiny nano USB receiver and start working in seconds with a strong, reliable connection to your wireless computer mouse up to 33 feet / 10 m (5)
  • Better than touchpad: Get more done by adding M185 to your laptop; according to a recent study, laptop users who chose this mouse over a touchpad were 50% more productive (3) and worked 30% faster (4)

Why does my CSS scale jump instead of transition?

First check that the transition and the changed property match, and that the transition is on the non-hover rule:

  • If the hover rule changes transform, use transition: transform ....
  • If it changes scale, use transition: scale ....
  • Keep the transition on the base selector so it applies on both pointer entry and exit.
  • Avoid transitioning every property unless you intend unrelated changes to animate too.

For example, transition: transform 200ms ease will not animate a change made only to scale. Likewise, putting the transition only in :hover can prevent the return to the normal size from transitioning as expected.

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How do I disable hover animations for reduced motion?

Respect the visitor’s operating-system motion preference for a non-essential effect. One option is to disable both the transition and the hover scaling when reduced motion is requested:

@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  .card {
    transition: none;
  }

  .card:hover {
    transform: none;
  }
}

For the independent scale approach, suppress the scale change instead. MDN warns that scaling and zooming animations can be problematic for some users, including people prone to migraine or vestibular symptoms; its reduced-motion media feature reference explains how to detect the preference.

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If an animation communicates information rather than serving as decoration, provide another cue when removing it. W3C’s guidance on Animation from Interactions describes when animation is essential, while Technique C39 demonstrates using the CSS media query to prevent non-essential interaction-triggered motion. C39 is an example technique, not a required implementation method for WCAG conformance.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1
Logitech M185 Compact Ambidextrous 2.4 GHz Wireless Mouse - Swift Grey
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$12.99
SaleBestseller No. 3
Bestseller No. 4
Amazon Basics 3-Button USB Wired Mouse with Responsive Tracking, Plug & Play, Compatible with Windows and Mac, Black
Amazon Basics 3-Button USB Wired Mouse with Responsive Tracking, Plug & Play, Compatible with Windows and Mac, Black
Computer mouse for easily navigating a computer interface; click, scroll, and more; 3 buttons offer effortless fingertip control
$9.70

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.