The <br> tag creates a line break without starting a new paragraph
A line break in HTML is a single line that ends and the next line begins when ready below it, with no extra space between them. You create one with the <br> tag, which tells the browser to move to the next line. Unlike a paragraph break (made with <p>), a line break does not add vertical spacing before or after.
The <br> tag is self-closing, meaning it does not wrap around text. You write it as <br> or <br /> — both work in modern HTML. You place it at the exact spot where you want the line to end.
Key Takeaways
- The <br> tag breaks a line without adding paragraph spacing, and you place it where the line should end.
- Write <br> or <br /> — both are correct in HTML5, and the tag does not need closing text.
- Use line breaks for addresses, poetry, song lyrics, or short lists where you want line separation without paragraph gaps.
- Do not use multiple <br> tags to create spacing — use CSS margins or padding instead.
When to use a line break instead of a paragraph
A paragraph (<p>) adds space above and below the text. A line break (<br>) does not. Use a line break when lines belong together as one thought but need to be on separate lines visually.
Common places for line breaks: mailing addresses (street on one line, city and state on the next), poetry or song lyrics (each line separate but part of one stanza), or a list of short items that do not need full paragraph treatment. For example:
Address with line breaks:
123 Main Street Springfield, IL 62701 United States
If you used <p> tags instead, the browser would add space between each line, which looks wrong for an address.
How to write the <br> tag in your HTML
Place the <br> tag at the end of the line where you want the break to happen. Here is the basic structure:
<p>First line of text<br> Second line of text</p>
Both lines sit inside the same <p> tag. The <br> tag tells the browser to move to the next line before continuing with "Second line of text."
You can also write it as <br /> with a space and forward slash before the closing angle bracket. This is the XHTML style and still works in HTML5. Most modern browsers accept both versions, so use whichever your team prefers.
Why you should not use multiple <br> tags for spacing
A common mistake is writing several <br> tags in a row to create vertical space between sections. This works visually but breaks the meaning of your HTML. A <br> tag means "this line ends here" — not "add space."
If you want space between sections, use CSS instead. Add a margin or padding property to your paragraph or div. For example, margin-bottom: 20px; adds space below an element in a way that makes sense to screen readers and search engines. Multiple <br> tags confuse assistive technology and make your code harder to maintain.
Line breaks in lists and special content
Line breaks work well for content where each line is part of the same block. Poetry, song lyrics, and addresses are the clearest examples. You can also use them in lists where each item is short and belongs on its own line without paragraph spacing.
If you are building a longer list where each item needs its own space and styling, use <ul> (unordered list) or <ol> (ordered list) instead. These tags give you more control and make the structure clearer to browsers and screen readers.
How line breaks look different from paragraphs in the browser
When you view a page in your browser, a <br> tag moves text to the next line with no extra gap. A <p> tag creates a full paragraph with space above and below. Here is what the difference looks like:
| Code | What the browser shows |
|---|---|
| <p>Line one<br>Line two</p> | Line oneLine two (no gap between them) |
| <p>Paragraph one</p><p>Paragraph two</p> | Paragraph one (gap below)Paragraph two (gap above) |
The <br> version keeps both lines tight together. The <p> version separates them with visible space, which is useful when the content is truly separate thoughts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use <br> multiple times in a row?
Technically yes, but you should not. Multiple <br> tags in a row create spacing, but that is not what the tag is for. Use CSS margin or padding instead — it is cleaner, easier to change later, and makes sense to screen readers.
Is <br> the same as pressing Enter in my text editor?
No. Pressing Enter in your HTML file does not create a line break on the webpage. The browser ignores extra spaces and line breaks in your code. You must use the <br> tag to tell the browser where to break the line visually.
Should I use <br> or <br />?
Both work in HTML5. Use whichever matches your team's style guide. The <br /> version comes from XHTML and is slightly more formal, but modern browsers treat them identically.
Can I style a line break with CSS?
Not directly — <br> is a structural element, not a container. You can style the paragraph or text around it, but the <br> tag itself has no box model. If you need custom spacing, use a <div> or <span> with CSS instead.
What is the difference between <br> and <hr>?
A <br> tag breaks a line of text. An <hr> tag draws a horizontal line across the page and is used to separate sections. <hr> creates a visual divider; <br> just moves text down.