Math.abs()

Baseline Widely available

This feature is well established and works across many devices and browser versions. It’s been available across browsers since July 2015.

The Math.abs() static method returns the absolute value of a number.

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Syntax

js
Math.abs(x)

Parameters

x

A number.

Return value

The absolute value of x. If x is negative or -0, returns its opposite number -x (which is non-negative). Otherwise, returns x itself. The result is therefore always a positive number or 0.

Description

Because abs() is a static method of Math, you always use it as Math.abs(), rather than as a method of a Math object you created (Math is not a constructor).

Examples

Using Math.abs()

js
Math.abs(-Infinity); // Infinity
Math.abs(-1); // 1
Math.abs(-0); // 0
Math.abs(0); // 0
Math.abs(1); // 1
Math.abs(Infinity); // Infinity

Coercion of parameter

Math.abs() coerces its parameter to a number. Non-coercible values will become NaN, making Math.abs() also return NaN.

js
Math.abs("-1"); // 1
Math.abs(-2); // 2
Math.abs(null); // 0
Math.abs(""); // 0
Math.abs([]); // 0
Math.abs([2]); // 2
Math.abs([1, 2]); // NaN
Math.abs({}); // NaN
Math.abs("string"); // NaN
Math.abs(); // NaN

Specifications

Specification
ECMAScript Language Specification
# sec-math.abs

Browser compatibility

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See also