Why does e-resize show a double arrow?

On Windows there is only one horizontal resize cursor, so e-resize, w-resize and ew-resize all use it. macOS 15 and later can show a one-way arrow.

When is e-resize better than ew-resize?

When the right edge can only move right at that moment, for example a panel already at its minimum width.

Resize and scroll

cursor: e-resize in CSS: drag the right edge outward

e-resize marks a right (east) edge that can be dragged to the right. Use it when that edge can only move one way right now.

cursor: e-resize; Move your mouse over this box Cursors only appear with a mouse or trackpad. Open this page on a computer to see this one.

This is the cursor your browser and system draw for e-resize.

What it shows

On macOS 15 and later, Chrome shows a one-way arrow pointing right. On Windows, browsers show the Horizontal Resize double arrow (the SizeWE role, aero_ew.cur), the same as ew-resize and w-resize.

Usage

When to use it

Use it for

The right edge of a sidebar at its minimum width, when it can only grow.
The end handle of a timeline clip or a date-range bar that you drag to extend.
The right-hand handle of a cropper or selection box.

Avoid it for

Column borders in a table. That is col-resize.
Edges that can move both ways. Use ew-resize.

Code

Copy the snippet

CSS

.range-end { cursor: e-resize; }

HTML

<div class="range">
  <span class="range-bar">Mon to Wed</span><span class="range-end" aria-label="Drag to extend"></span>
</div>

Support

Browsers and systems

Browser support for e-resize
Browser	Support
Chrome	1
Edge	12
Firefox	1
Safari	1.2
Safari on iOS	no
Chrome on Android	18

The matching operating system cursor
System	Matching cursor
Windows role	SizeWE
Windows file	`aero_ew.cur`
macOS	Resize right

Watch out

Gotchas

On Windows, e-resize, w-resize and ew-resize all show the same Horizontal Resize double arrow (aero_ew.cur), so the one-way meaning is lost there.
In right-to-left layouts, remember that the start edge is on the right. Pick the keyword by the physical edge, not the logical one.

FAQ

Questions

Why does e-resize show a double arrow?: On Windows there is only one horizontal resize cursor, so e-resize, w-resize and ew-resize all use it. macOS 15 and later can show a one-way arrow.
When is e-resize better than ew-resize?: When the right edge can only move right at that moment, for example a panel already at its minimum width.
What does the e in e-resize mean?: East, the right edge.