Staggered Transition Delays for Sequential Animation

Staggered Animations with Transition Delay

The transition-delay property lets you offset when a transition starts. By applying incremental delays to sibling elements, you create a cascading, staggered animation effect.

CSS Code

.list-item {
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateY(20px);
  transition: opacity 0.4s ease-out,
              transform 0.4s ease-out;
}

.list-item.visible {
  opacity: 1;
  transform: translateY(0);
}

.list-item:nth-child(1) { transition-delay: 0s; }
.list-item:nth-child(2) { transition-delay: 0.05s; }
.list-item:nth-child(3) { transition-delay: 0.1s; }
.list-item:nth-child(4) { transition-delay: 0.15s; }
.list-item:nth-child(5) { transition-delay: 0.2s; }

Using CSS Custom Properties for Dynamic Delays

Instead of hardcoding delays for each child, use CSS custom properties set via JavaScript or inline styles:

.list-item {
  transition-delay: calc(var(--index) * 0.05s);
}

<li class="list-item" style="--index: 0">First</li>
<li class="list-item" style="--index: 1">Second</li>
<li class="list-item" style="--index: 2">Third</li>

Choosing the Delay Increment

• 0.03s–0.05s: Fast stagger — items appear almost simultaneously but with a visible wave
• 0.08s–0.12s: Medium stagger — clearly sequential, natural rhythm
• 0.15s–0.2s: Slow stagger — dramatic, each item has its moment

Reverse Delay for Exit

When removing items, reverse the delay order so the last item leaves first:

.list-item.leaving:nth-child(1) { transition-delay: 0.2s; }
.list-item.leaving:nth-child(2) { transition-delay: 0.15s; }
.list-item.leaving:nth-child(3) { transition-delay: 0.1s; }