References

Beginner-friendly references for web development, with live, editable examples.

The HTML <br> tag

Element All modern browsers Updated
Quick answer

The HTML <br> element produces a line break within text. It is a void element. Use it only where the break is part of the content — addresses, poems, song lyrics — not to add space between paragraphs (use CSS or <p> for that).

Overview

The <br> element forces a line break. It is a void element — no closing tag and no content — and it is appropriate only when the break itself carries meaning, where the line division is part of the content rather than the styling.

The legitimate cases are things like postal addresses, lines of a poem or verse, and song lyrics, where each line is significant and a paragraph break would be wrong. In those cases the break is information, not layout.

It is, however, one of the most misused elements. Do not stack <br> tags to push content apart or to separate paragraphs — use a <p> with CSS margin for spacing between blocks. Excessive line breaks harm both document structure and accessibility.

Syntax

<p>123 Main Street<br>
London<br>
UK</p>

Example

Live example 
<p>Roses are red,<br>Violets are blue.</p>

Best practices

  • Use <br> only where the line break is meaningful — addresses, poems, lyrics.
  • Do not stack multiple <br> tags to create vertical spacing.
  • For space between paragraphs or blocks, use a <p> and CSS margin.
  • It is a void element — write it as <br> with no closing tag.

Frequently asked questions

When should I use the br element?
When a line break carries meaning, such as in a postal address, a poem or song lyrics — not for general spacing.
How do I add space between paragraphs without br?
Use separate <p> elements and control the gap with the CSS margin property.
Does br need a closing tag?
No. It is a void element with no content, written simply as <br>.
Is it bad to use multiple br tags?
Yes. Stacking <br> for spacing harms structure and accessibility; use CSS margins instead.
body button