Mastering Money Calculations in JavaScript: The Best Libraries Compared

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Handling monetary values in JavaScript can be tricky due to floating-point arithmetic issues. For example:

console.log(0.1 + 0.2); // Outputs 0.30000000000000004

This behavior occurs because JavaScript uses binary floating-point numbers, which aren’t precise for decimal values. Fortunately, several libraries are designed to overcome these limitations, especially for money-related use cases.

In this article, we’ll explore Decimal.js, Big.js, Dinero.js, Currency.js, and Accounting.js, comparing their features to help you choose the best one for your needs.

Why Not Just Use JavaScript’s Built-in Numbers?

The primary reason is precision issues. Financial applications require exact calculations to avoid discrepancies caused by floating-point errors. These libraries offer solutions tailored to handle such scenarios effectively.

Monetary calculations demand:

1. Precision: Avoid errors caused by floating-point arithmetic.
2. Formatting: Display amounts in a user-friendly way.
3. Currency Support: Handle multi-currency operations.