Number.parseFloat()

Converts the start of a string into a floating-point number.

Returns
A number, or NaN.
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Example

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JavaScript
console.log(Number.parseFloat('1.5rem'))
console.log(Number.parseFloat('3,5'))
console.log(Number.parseFloat('3,5'.replace(',', '.')))
console.log(Number.parseFloat('.75'))
Console
1.5
3
3.5
0.75

Definition and usage

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The Number.parseFloat() function reads a string from the left and converts it into a number with a fractional part. The decimal separator must be a period. Reading stops at the first invalid character.

It’s useful for reading values with units, such as "1.5rem" or "12.5%", when you only care about the number itself.

Numbers written with a comma as the decimal separator, like "3,5", get cut off at the comma, giving 3. Convert the comma to a period before parsing.

Syntax

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Syntax
Number.parseFloat(string)

Parameters

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  • string

    string

    The text to process.

Browser support

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Widely available

Works in all modern browsers, phones included. You can use it without worry.

  • Chrome
  • Edge
  • Firefox
  • Safari

Good practices

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  • Convert numbers typed with a comma before parsing: value.replace(",", ".").
  • Always check the result with Number.isNaN() before using it in calculations.

Related entries

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