Define dimensions

Dimensions are typically stored in a resource file names dimens.xml. They are defined using a <dimen> element.

res/values/dimens.xml

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<resources>
    <dimen name="small_padding">5dp</dimen>
    <dimen name="medium_padding">10dp</dimen>
    <dimen name="large_padding">20dp</dimen>

    <dimen name="small_font">14sp</dimen>
    <dimen name="medium_font">16sp</dimen>
    <dimen name="large_font">20sp</dimen>
</resources>

You can use different units :

sp : Scale-independent Pixels. For fonts.
dp : Density-independent Pixels. For everything else.
pt : Points
px : Pixels
mm : Millimeters
im : Inches

Dimensions can now be referenced in XML with the syntax @dimen/name_of_the_dimension.

For example:

<RelativeLayout
    xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="match_parent"
    android:padding="@dimen/large_padding">
</RelativeLayout>

Found a mistake? Have a question or improvement idea? Let me know.

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