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}(x)}} = {|x|} = \begin{cases} x & \text{if} \quad x \geq 0 \\ -x & \text{if} \quad x < 0 \end{cases}

Syntax

JavaScript
Math.abs(<var>x</var>)

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 two members, a non-numeric string or undefined/empty variable returns NaN. Passing null, an empty string or an empty array returns 0.

JavaScript
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 Status Comment
ECMAScript 1st Edition (ECMA-262) Standard Initial definition. Implemented in JavaScript 1.0.
ECMAScript 5.1 (ECMA-262)
The definition of 'Math.abs' in that specification.
Standard  
ECMAScript 2015 (6th Edition, ECMA-262)
The definition of 'Math.abs' in that specification.
Standard  
ECMAScript 2017 Draft (ECMA-262)
The definition of 'Math.abs' in that specification.
Draft  

Browser compatibility

Feature Chrome Firefox (Gecko) Internet Explorer Opera Safari
Basic support (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes)
Feature Android Chrome for Android Firefox Mobile (Gecko) IE Mobile Opera Mobile Safari Mobile
Basic support (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) (Yes)

See also

License

© 2016 Mozilla Contributors
Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License v2.5 or later.
https://developer.mozilla.org/en-us/docs/web/javascript/reference/global_objects/math/abs

JavaScript Math Method Reference