Navigation & Inputs · Data Display
Progress Indicator (Determinate vs Indeterminate)
also known as Loading indicator, Progress control
A progress indicator communicates ongoing activity. A determinate indicator shows a specific percentage of completion because the duration is known, while an indeterminate one only signals that something is happening without an estimate. Choosing correctly sets accurate expectations for the wait.
See it live — shadcn/ui · MUI · Ant Design
Don't confuse it with
Determinate indicators (often a progress bar) show measurable progress; indeterminate indicators (often a spinner) only show that work is underway. Show determinate progress whenever the completion amount can be measured.
In the wild
A determinate download bar at 60% versus an indeterminate spinning ring.