metadata
title: Math.abs()
short-title: abs()
slug: Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Math/abs
page-type: javascript-static-method
browser-compat: javascript.builtins.Math.abs
sidebar: jsref
The Math.abs() static method returns the absolute value of a number.
{{InteractiveExample("JavaScript Demo: Math.abs()")}}
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
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()")}}