JavaScript return Statement

Example

Return the value of PI:

function myFunction() {
return Math.PI;
}

More "Try it Yourself" examples below.

Definition and Usage

The return statement stops the execution of a function and returns a value from that function.

Read our JavaScript Tutorial to learn all you need to know about functions. Start with the introduction chapter about JavaScript Functions and JavaScript Scope. For more detailed information, see our Function Section on Function Definitions, Parameters, Invocation and Closures.

Browser Support

Statement
return	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Syntax

return value;

Parameter Values

Parameter	Description
value	Optional. Specifies the value to be returned to the function caller. If omitted, it returns undefined

Technical Details

JavaScript Version:	ECMAScript 1

More Examples

Example

Use the return statement to display the name "John" in a <p> element:

function myFunction(name) {
return "Hello " + name;
}
document.getElementById("demo").innerHTML = myFunction("John");

Try it Yourself »

Example

Calculate the product of two numbers, and return the result:

var x = myFunction(4, 3); // Function is called, return value will end up in x

function myFunction(a, b) {
return a * b; // Function returns the product of a and b
}

Try it Yourself »

JavaScript Tutorial: JavaScript Functions

JavaScript Tutorial: JavaScript Scope

JavaScript Tutorial: JavaScript Function Definitions

JavaScript Tutorial: JavaScript Function Parameters

JavaScript Tutorial: JavaScript Function Invocation

JavaScript Tutorial: JavaScript Function Closures

JavaScript Reference: JavaScript function Statement

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