This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Werliton Silva
Have you ever used parseInt to truncate a number in JavaScript? I used to do it too. But today, I want to show you why that habit might be hurting your code – and how to do it better.
The Problem
parseInt was designed to convert strings to integers, not to truncate numbers. When you write:
parseInt(4.9); // 4
Does it work? Yes.
Is it clear? Not really.
Is it fast? Definitely not.
The Better Way
If you’re working with a number and want to remove the decimal part, use:
Math.trunc(4.9); // 4
It’s faster, clearer, and semantically correct. It also works with negative numbers:
Math.trunc(-4.9); // -4
Performance Matters
In simple benchmarks, Math.trunc can be up to 5x faster than parseInt. That matters – especially in loops, animations, or real-time calculations.
Other Ways to Truncate Numbers in JavaScript (Use with Caution)
Sometimes you want to truncate a number without using Math.trunc(). Here are some alternatives – each with its own quirks.
Bitwise OR (| 0)
This is a clever trick to truncate decimals using bitwise operations.
4.9 | 0; // 4
~~4.9; // 4
Fast
Only works reliably for 32-bit integers. Avoid with large or precise numbers.
Double Bitwise NOT (~~)
Similar to | 0, but slightly more readable for some developers.
~~4.9; // 4
~~-4.9; // -4
Fast
Same limitations as | 0.
Math.floor() and Math.ceil()
These are rounding functions, not true truncation – but they can be useful depending on the sign of the number.
Math.floor(4.9); // 4
Math.floor(-4.9); // -5
Math.ceil(4.9); // 5
Math.ceil(-4.9); // -4
Clear intent
Not truncation – they round up/down.
Number.toFixed(0)
This method returns a string, not a number, and it rounds the value.
(4.9).toFixed(0); // "5"
Number((4.9).toFixed(0)); // 5
Useful for formatting
Not truncation, and returns a string unless converted.
Recommendation
| Method | Truncates? | Returns | Performance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Math.trunc() |
|
Number |  High |
Best choice for clarity and safety |
parseInt() |
|
Number |  Low |
Avoid for truncating numbers |
Math.floor() |
 |
Number | High |
Rounds down, not truncates |
Math.ceil() |
|
Number | High |
Rounds up, not truncates |
toFixed(0) |
|
String | Medium |
Rounds and returns string unless converted |
Why Best Practices Matter
As a developer, you’re not just writing for machines – you’re writing for other humans, including your future self. Choosing the right tool makes your code:
- Easier to read
- Faster to run
- More meaningful
Final Thoughts
If you’re truncating numbers with parseInt, stop now. Use Math.trunc and write code that makes sense. Small choices lead to better habits – and better software.
Enjoyed this tip? Share it with a friend who’s still stuck in parseInt land. Let’s do the basics right – then we can do the magic. 
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Werliton Silva