HTML <option> value Attribute

Example

A drop-down list inside an HTML form:

<form action="/action_page.php">
<label for="cars">Choose a car:</label>
<select id="cars" name="cars">
    <option value="volvo">Volvo XC90</option>
    <option value="saab">Saab 95</option>
    <option value="mercedes">Mercedes SLK</option>
    <option value="audi">Audi TT</option>
</select>
<input type="submit" value="Submit">
</form>

Try it Yourself »

Definition and Usage

The value attribute specifies the value to be sent to a server when a form is submitted.

The content between the opening <option> and closing </option> tags is what the browsers will display in a drop-down list. However, the value of the value attribute is what will be sent to the server when a form is submitted.

Note: If the value attribute is not specified, the content will be passed as a value instead.