For div tag there is already default property display:block given by browser. For anchor tag there is not display property given by browser. You need to add display property to it. That’s why use display:block or display:inline-block. It will work.
.btn {
display:block;
height: 300px;
width: 300px;
border-radius: 50%;
border: 1px solid red;
}
<a class="btn" href="#"><i class="ion-ios-arrow-down"></i></a>