Math.abs()

Baseline Widely available

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

Learn more
See full compatibility

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

Try it

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

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