HTML <var> Tag

The HTML <var> tag is used to define a variable in a mathematical expression or programming context. It is typically displayed in an italicized font style by default, indicating its semantic meaning as a variable. The <var> tag is often used in educational content, documentation, and code examples where variables need to be clearly distinguished.

The <var> tag provides semantic value, which improves accessibility and helps screen readers identify it as a variable.


Basic Syntax of HTML <var> Tag

The basic structure of the <var> tag is:

</>
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<var>variable-name</var>

Text enclosed within the <var> tag is marked as a variable and displayed in an italicized font by default.


Example of a Variable in a Mathematical Formula

Here’s an example of using the <var> tag to display a variable in a mathematical formula:

index.html

</>
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<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
    <body>
        <p>The formula for the area of a circle is <var>r</var>²π, where <var>r</var> represents the radius of the circle.</p>
    </body>
</html>
Example of a Variable in a Mathematical Formula using var tag in HTML

Explanation: The <var> tag highlights the variable r, making it distinct in the mathematical context.


Example of using <var> tag in a Programming Context

The <var> tag can also be used to represent variables in programming code:

index.html

</>
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<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
    <body>
        <p>In the code snippet, <var>x</var> is the variable storing the value of the sum:</p>
        <code>
            let <var>x</var> = a + b;
        </code>
    </body>
</html>
Example of using <var> tag in a Programming Context

Explanation: The variable x is marked with the <var> tag for semantic emphasis, while the code block uses the <code> tag.


Styling the <var> Tag with CSS

The <var> tag can be styled to match the design of your webpage. For example:

index.html

</>
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<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
    <head>
        <style>
            var {
                font-style: italic;
                color: #007BFF;
            }
        </style>
    </head>
    <body>
        <p>The value of <var>x</var> changes dynamically based on the inputs.</p>
    </body>
</html>
Styling the <var> Tag with CSS

Result: The variable x is displayed in italic with a custom color.


Accessibility Benefits of <var> Tag

The <var> tag provides semantic meaning that assists screen readers in identifying variables, especially in educational or technical content. This improves the accessibility of content for visually impaired users.


Practical Applications of the <var> Tag

  • Mathematical Expressions: Highlight variables in formulas and equations.
  • Programming Tutorials: Emphasize variable names in code examples for clarity.
  • Educational Content: Use the <var> tag in documentation or textbooks for better readability.
  • Semantic Markup: Add semantic meaning to variables, improving accessibility and search engine optimization.