Math.abs()

The Math.abs() function returns the absolute value of a number. That is, it returns x if x is positive or zero, and the negation of x if x is negative.

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