---
title: "\"button\" vs. \"input type=button\". Which to use?"  
description: "\"button\" vs. \"input type=button\". Which to use?"  
author: "Harry"  
published: 2024-06-06  
updated: 2024-06-06  
canonical: https://www.mindstick.com/forum/160694/button-vs-input-type-button-which-to-use  
category: "html"  
tags: ["html", "html5", "html form"]  
reading_time: 3 minutes  

---

# "button" vs. "input type=button". Which to use?

<[button](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/63/how-to-add-button-in-datagridview-in-csharp-dot-net)> vs. <[input](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/159209/how-can-i-read-convert-an-input-stream-into-a-string-in-java) type="button" />. Which to use?

## Replies

### Reply by Ravi Vishwakarma

The choice between **<button>** and **<input type="button">** in HTML depends on several factors, including desired functionality, flexibility, and the specific use case.

#### comparison

### <button> Element

#### Pros:

Content flexibility: The <button> element can contain text, images, or other HTML elements, allowing the creation of more complex and customizable buttons.

```html
<button>Click Me</button>
<button><img src="icon.png" alt="Icon"> Click Me</button>
```

**Styling**: It's easier to style and apply advanced CSS to <button> elements because they can contain different elements and have a more complex structure

```html
<style>
    .styled-button {
        background-color: #4CAF50;
        color: white;
        padding: 15px 32px;
        font-size: 16px;
        border: none;
        border-radius: 4px;
        cursor: pointer;
    }
    .styled-button:hover {
        background-color: #45a049;
    }
</style>
<button class="styled-button">Styled Button</button>
```

**Types**: The <button> element has a type attribute that can be set to "button", "submit", or "reset", providing greater control over its behavior in the forms.

```html
<button type="button">Button</button>
<button type="submit">Submit</button>
<button type="reset">Reset</button>
```

#### Cons:

**Browser Compatibility**: Historically, there have been inconsistencies in the way different browsers handle the **<button>** element, particularly in the case of form submissions. However, modern browsers have largely addressed these issues.

### <input type="button"> Element

#### Pros:

**Simplicity**: **<input type="button">** is straightforward and easy to use for simple button requirements where only text is needed.

```html
<input type="button" value="Click Me">
```

**Form Handling**: Using **<input>** elements can make it easier to ensure consistent behavior across browsers when dealing with form-related actions.

**Compatibility**: Older and less capable browsers may handle **<input>** elements more robustly.

#### Cons:

**Limited Content**: **<input type="button">** can only contain text (specified by the value attribute). You cannot include images or other HTML elements in it.

```html
<input type="button" value="Click Me">
```

**Less Flexible Styling**: Although you can still apply CSS to the <input type="button"> style, it may not be as flexible or powerful as the <button> style.

```html
<style>
    .styled-input {
        background-color: #4CAF50;
        color: white;
        padding: 15px 32px;
        font-size: 16px;
        border: none;
        border-radius: 4px;
        cursor: pointer;
    }
    .styled-input:hover {
        background-color: #45a049;
    }
</style>
<input type="button" class="styled-input" value="Styled Button">
```

### When to Use Which

**Use** `<button>` **When**:

- You need to include complex content like images or HTML in the button.
- You want more advanced styling options and flexibility.
- You need to use different button types **(button, submit, reset).**

**Use** `<input type="button">` **When**:

- You want a simple button with just text.
- You prioritize consistency and simplicity, especially in older or less capable browsers.
- You want a quick and straightforward way to add a button without any additional HTML content.

###

Both **<button>** and **<input type="button">** have their own use cases and can be used effectively depending on the needs of your project. Generally, **<button>** is more flexible and powerful, while **<input type="button">** is more straightforward. For modern web development, **<button>** is often preferred due to its versatility and ability to handle more complex content and styles.


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Original Source: https://www.mindstick.com/forum/160694/button-vs-input-type-button-which-to-use

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