JavaScript Math.abs()

Math.abs(x) returns the absolute value of a number: negative values become positive, while positive values and zero remain unchanged.

console.log(Math.abs(-5));   // 5
console.log(Math.abs(5.56)); // 5.56

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Math.abs() syntax Top ↑

Math.abs(x)

The argument is converted to a number. If conversion fails, the result is NaN.

Positive, negative and zero Top ↑

console.log(Math.abs(-2.5));   // 2.5
console.log(Math.abs(1.355));  // 1.355
console.log(Math.abs(0));      // 0

Absolute difference between two values Top ↑

Absolute value is useful when you care about distance or magnitude rather than direction.

const first = 43;
const second = 64;
console.log(Math.abs(first - second)); // 21

Numeric strings and invalid values Top ↑

console.log(Math.abs("-12.78")); // 12.78
console.log(Math.abs(""));       // 0
console.log(Math.abs("hello"));  // NaN

For user input, explicitly convert and validate the value rather than relying on coercion.

Practical uses Top ↑

function distance(a, b) {
  return Math.abs(a - b);
}
console.log(distance(18, 27)); // 9

Interactive Math.abs() demo Top ↑

Use the Math.abs() demo to enter your own value and see the absolute result.

Math.log() →

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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