Left shift (<<)

The left shift operator (<<) shifts the first operand the specified number of bits to the left. Excess bits shifted off to the left are discarded. Zero bits are shifted in from the right.

Syntax

a << b

Description

This operator shifts the first operand the specified number of bits to the left. Excess bits shifted off to the left are discarded. Zero bits are shifted in from the right.

For example, 9 << 2 yields 36:

.    9 (base 10): 00000000000000000000000000001001 (base 2)
                  --------------------------------
9 << 2 (base 10): 00000000000000000000000000100100 (base 2) = 36 (base 10)

Bitwise shifting any number x to the left by y bits yields x * 2 ** y.
So e.g.: 9 << 3 translates to: 9 * (2 ** 3) = 9 * (8) = 72.

Examples

Using left shift

9 << 3; // 72

// 9 * (2 ** 3) = 9 * (8) = 72

Specifications

Specification
ECMAScript (ECMA-262)
The definition of 'Bitwise Shift Operators' in that specification.

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobileServer
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung InternetNode.js
Bitwise left shift (a << b)Chrome Full support 1Edge Full support 12Firefox Full support 1IE Full support 3Opera Full support 3Safari Full support 1WebView Android Full support 1Chrome Android Full support 18Firefox Android Full support 4Opera Android Full support 10.1Safari iOS Full support 1Samsung Internet Android Full support 1.0nodejs Full support 0.1.100

Legend

Full support
Full support

See also