HTML <option> Tag
Example
A drop-down list with four options:
<select>
<option>Volvo</option>
<option>Saab</option>
<option>Mercedes</option>
<option>Audi</option>
</select> |
Try it yourself » |
Definition and Usage
The <option> tag defines an option in a select list.
The option element goes inside the select element.
Browser Support

The <option> tag is supported in all major browsers.
Differences Between HTML and XHTML
In HTML the <option> tag has no end tag.
In XHTML the <option> tag must be properly closed.
Tips and Notes
Tip: If you have a long list of options, you can group together related options with the <optgroup> tag.
Optional Attributes
DTD indicates in which HTML 4.01/XHTML 1.0
DTD the attribute is allowed. S=Strict, T=Transitional, and F=Frameset.
| Attribute |
Value |
Description |
DTD |
| disabled |
disabled |
Specifies that an option should be disabled |
STF |
| label |
text |
Specifies a shorter label for an option |
STF |
| selected |
selected |
Specifies that an option should be selected by default |
STF |
| value |
text |
Specifies the value to be sent to a server when a form is
submitted |
STF |
Standard Attributes
The <option> tag supports the following standard attributes:
| Attribute |
Value |
Description |
DTD |
| class |
classname |
Specifies a classname for an element |
STF |
| dir |
rtl
ltr |
Specifies the text direction
for the content in an element |
STF |
| id |
id |
Specifies a unique id for an element |
STF |
| lang |
language_code |
Specifies a language code for the content in an element |
STF |
| style |
style_definition |
Specifies an inline style for an element |
STF |
| title |
text |
Specifies extra information about an element |
STF |
| xml:lang |
language_code |
Specifies a language code for the content in an element, in
XHTML documents |
STF |
More information about Standard Attributes.
Event Attributes
The <option> tag supports the following event attributes:
| Attribute |
Value |
Description |
DTD |
| onclick |
script |
Script to be run on a mouse click |
STF |
| ondblclick |
script |
Script to be run on a mouse double-click |
STF |
| onmousedown |
script |
Script to be run when mouse button is pressed |
STF |
| onmousemove |
script |
Script to be run when mouse pointer moves |
STF |
| onmouseout |
script |
Script to be run when mouse pointer moves out of an
element |
STF |
| onmouseover |
script |
Script to be run when mouse pointer moves over an
element |
STF |
| onmouseup |
script |
Script to be run when mouse button is released |
STF |
| onkeydown |
script |
Script to be run when a key is pressed |
STF |
| onkeypress |
script |
Script to be run when a key is pressed and released |
STF |
| onkeyup |
script |
Script to be run when a key is released |
STF |
More information about Event Attributes.

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