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How to round to at most 2 decimal places, if necessary

javascript
rounding
floating-point
precision
Nikita BarsukovbyNikita Barsukov·Nov 4, 2024
TLDR

For an immediate 2 decimal places rounding solution in JavaScript, utilize:

const roundToTwo = num => +((num + Number.EPSILON).toFixed(2));

This code addresses floating-point errors, ensuring precise rounding with Number.EPSILON allowing correct rounding for 1.005 to 1.01, not 1.00.

See how it works:

roundToTwo(1.005); // Returns: 1.01

Handling diverse rounding scenarios

From quick fixes to advanced methods, here's a range of solutions when dealing with different rounding scenarios:

String manipulation approach

Using strings to round numbers minimizes floating-point irregularities in JavaScript. Here, we'll utilize the exponential notation for higher precision:

// String operation solution for the mathematician allergic to numbers const roundViaString = (num, decimals) => { const factor = Math.pow(10, decimals); return parseFloat((Math.round((+num + Number.EPSILON) * factor) / factor).toExponential(decimals)); };

Battle tricky values

In JavaScript, certain values like 1.005 may pose a challenge due to binary floating-point representation. Here's a solution:

  • Double rounding: Implementing Number.toPrecision prior to Math.round drastically minimizes errors.
  • Pre-rounding: Consider rounding numbers server-side before they reach JavaScript for more robust accuracy.
  • Phase in the pros: Invoke professional libraries like decimal.js for increased precision in crucial applications.

Implementing dynamic precision

Customize precision based on your needs with a custom function:

// A dynamic precision solution for the precision savvy. const roundNumber = (num, scale) => { if (!("" + num).includes("e")) { return +(Math.round(num + "e+" + scale) + "e-" + scale); } else { const arr = ("" + num).split("e"); let sig = ""; if (+arr[1] + scale > 0) { sig = "+"; } return +(Math.round(+arr[0] + "e" + sig + (+arr[1] + scale)) + "e-" + scale); } };

Small numbers need love too

Tiny numbers require extra care for accurate rounding in JavaScript:

// A small solution for small problems. const roundTinyNumber = (num, decimals) => { return Math.round((num + Number.EPSILON) * Math.pow(10, decimals)) / Math.pow(10, decimals); };

Building a rounding code toolbox

Enhance your rounding skills with these additional techniques:

  • Exponential control: Converting numbers to exponential form attains more control over the rounding process.
  • Rounding tests: Crafting assertive tests in your code checks the integrity of the rounding outcomes.
  • Tailored rounding: Accommodating specific rounding requirements using custom methods optimizes the rounding precision.