Math.abs()

The Math.abs() function returns the absolute value of a number, that is

Math.abs(x)=|x|={xifx>00ifx=0-xifx<0{\mathtt{\operatorname{Math.abs}(z)}} = {|z|} = \begin{cases} x & \text{if} \quad x \geq 0 \\ x & \text{if} \quad x < 0 \end{cases}

Syntax

Math.abs(x)

Parameters

x
A number.

Return value

The absolute value of the given number.

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

Behavior of Math.abs()

Passing an empty object, an array with more than one member, a non-numeric string or undefined/empty variable returns NaN. Passing null, an empty string or an empty array returns 0.

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 (ECMA-262)
The definition of 'Math.abs' in that specification.

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobileServer
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung InternetNode.js
absChrome 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