Math.abs()

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

{{InteractiveExample("JavaScript Demo: Math.abs()")}}

```js interactive-example function difference(a, b) { return Math.abs(a - b); }

console.log(difference(3, 5)); // Expected output: 2

console.log(difference(5, 3)); // Expected output: 2

console.log(difference(1.23456, 7.89012)); // Expected output: 6.6555599999999995

## Syntax

```js-nolint
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()#

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.

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#

{{Specifications}}

Browser compatibility#

{{Compat}}

See also#

• {{jsxref("Math.ceil()")}}
• {{jsxref("Math.floor()")}}
• {{jsxref("Math.round()")}}
• {{jsxref("Math.sign()")}}
• {{jsxref("Math.trunc()")}}