JavaScript getFullYear()

Use getFullYear() to get the year from a JavaScript Date in local time. It returns the full year such as 2026.

const date = new Date();
console.log(date.getFullYear());

Older JavaScript has a getYear() method, but it is deprecated and should not be used for new code.

getFullYear() Syntax Top ↑

const year = date.getFullYear();

getFullYear() vs Deprecated getYear() Top ↑

const fullYear = date.getFullYear();
// Avoid: date.getYear()

getYear() historically returns the year minus 1900 for common modern dates, which makes it error-prone. Use getFullYear().

getFullYear() vs getUTCFullYear() Top ↑

const localYear = date.getFullYear();
const utcYear = date.getUTCFullYear();

These values can differ around New Year when local time and UTC are in different calendar years.

Calculating Age Correctly Top ↑

Subtracting years alone can be off by one before the birthday occurs. Compare month and day as well.

function getAge(birthDate, today = new Date()) {
  let age = today.getFullYear() - birthDate.getFullYear();
  const monthDiff = today.getMonth() - birthDate.getMonth();
  if (monthDiff < 0 || (monthDiff === 0 && today.getDate() < birthDate.getDate())) {
    age--;
  }
  return age;
}

Two-Digit Year Pitfalls Top ↑

Avoid two-digit years in numeric Date construction because JavaScript has historical handling for values from 0 to 99. Use a four-digit year.

const clear = new Date(2026, 8, 10);

Common Year Mistakes Top ↑

• Using deprecated getYear().
• Assuming year subtraction alone gives an exact age.
• Ignoring local/UTC boundaries around New Year.
• Using two-digit years in numeric constructors.

getDate() continues the original date-component learning path. ← Date Reference

Subhendu Mohapatra

Author & Instructor at plus2net

I write and maintain practical tutorials on Python, PHP, SQL, JavaScript, HTML, jQuery, and web development at plus2net. The tutorials focus on clear explanations, working examples, and code that readers can test and adapt while learning.

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