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OG_Can
OG_Can
Active Member
June 27, 2023

Use percentage for size variables

  • June 27, 2023
  • 79 replies
  • 27727 views

Hello. I was wondering if it is possible to have percentage values in variables, like setting percentage value for frame widths or shape sizes (etc.) that have variable modes applied to them? Percentage values could respond better to content that varies within a frame or frames within frames.

    79 replies

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    Mike Hnr
    Mike Hnr
    New Member
    February 7, 2026

    Hi ​@OG_Can ,
     

    Yes, you can use percentage-based values in variables, depending on the design tool you're using. Many tools support relative sizing—like setting width or shape size to a percentage of the parent frame—which works great for responsive layouts. If your tool supports expressions or constraints, or if you just need to quickly calculate values manually, this Percentage  Calculator is a super handy tool to have on hand.

    Let us know what software you're using for more specific tips!

    When you base text sizing on a variable, you’re basically creating a single source of truth for your scale. A common approach is setting a root value like --base-size and building headings and spacing with calc() or clamp() so everything grows proportionally. It keeps layouts consistent and easier to tweak later.

     

    Kyle_Johnson
    Kyle_Johnson
    New Participant
    February 12, 2026

    +1 agree this is needed.

    Alexander_Hahn1
    Alexander_Hahn1
    New Participant
    February 23, 2026

    up!

    Jason TM
    Jason TM
    New Member
    March 5, 2026

    Relative values are needed for tracking and line-height

    Alyssa_Maac2
    Alyssa_Maac2
    New Member
    March 29, 2026

    We really need this. It’s very basic stuff.

      Julien Caussade
      Julien Caussade
      New Member
      March 30, 2026

      + 1

      Pierre14
      Pierre14
      New Member
      April 29, 2026

      +1

      mnorooz
      mnorooz
      New Member
      May 16, 2026

      I can’t believe this thread started years ago and Figma still hasn’t delivered this. These are basic features needed for a proper design-to-code translation, especially for Figma Make if you don’t want to get AI slop. I’m not sure why critical UI capabilities like this are not being prioritized.

      Craig_Garner
      Craig_Garner
      New Participant
      June 22, 2026

      Utterly baffling why Figma continues to ignore basic functionality like this. Absolutely pathetic.

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