Usage of CSS list-style-type property

The list-style-type CSS property allows you to control the shape or appearance of list item markers. This property works with both ordered (<ol>) and unordered (<ul>) lists.

Syntax

list-style-type: value;

Common Values for Unordered Lists

Here are the most commonly used values for unordered list markers:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <style>
        .circle-list { list-style-type: circle; }
        .square-list { list-style-type: square; }
        .disc-list { list-style-type: disc; }
        .none-list { list-style-type: none; }
    </style>
</head>
<body>
    <ul class="circle-list">
        <li>India</li>
        <li>Australia</li>
    </ul>
    
    <ul class="square-list">
        <li>Germany</li>
        <li>France</li>
    </ul>
    
    <ul class="disc-list">
        <li>Japan</li>
        <li>China</li>
    </ul>
    
    <ul class="none-list">
        <li>No marker</li>
        <li>Clean list</li>
    </ul>
</body>
</html>

Ordered List Values

For ordered lists, you can use numeric, alphabetic, or roman numeral markers:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <style>
        .decimal { list-style-type: decimal; }
        .upper-alpha { list-style-type: upper-alpha; }
        .lower-roman { list-style-type: lower-roman; }
        .upper-roman { list-style-type: upper-roman; }
    </style>
</head>
<body>
    <ol class="decimal">
        <li>First item</li>
        <li>Second item</li>
    </ol>
    
    <ol class="upper-alpha">
        <li>Alpha list</li>
        <li>Beta list</li>
    </ol>
    
    <ol class="lower-roman">
        <li>Roman numerals</li>
        <li>Lower case</li>
    </ol>
</body>
</html>

Comparison Table

Value List Type Marker Style
disc Unordered Filled circle (default)
circle Unordered Empty circle
square Unordered Filled square
decimal Ordered Numbers (1, 2, 3...)
upper-alpha Ordered Uppercase letters (A, B, C...)
lower-roman Ordered Lowercase Roman (i, ii, iii...)
none Both No marker

Conclusion

The list-style-type property provides flexible control over list markers. Use circle, square, or disc for unordered lists, and decimal, upper-alpha, or roman numerals for ordered lists to match your design needs.

Updated on: 2026-03-15T23:18:59+05:30

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