JavaScript Ternary Operator

Written by Swapnil RajaPublished 24 Aug 2026

The ternary operator is a short way to choose between two values.

It is the only JavaScript operator that takes three parts, which is where the name comes from.

It is an expression, so it produces a value you can assign or return.

Example

javascript

const age = 20;

const status = age >= 18 ? "adult" : "minor";

console.log(status);

The output is adult.

The Three Parts

A condition, then a question mark.

The value to use when the condition is true.

PreviousJavaScript switch Statement NextJavaScript for Loop

Complete Example

html

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
  <title>JavaScript Ternary Operator</title>
</head>
<body>

  <h1>Ternary Operator</h1>

  <p id="out"></p>

  <script>
    const items = 1;
    const age = 20;

    document.getElementById("out").innerHTML =
      "You have " + items + " " + (items === 1 ? "item" : "items") +
      "<br>Status: " + (age >= 18 ? "adult" : "minor");
  </script>

</body>
</html>

JavaScript Ternary Operator

Example

The Three Parts

Syntax

The Same Thing with if else

Example

It Produces a Value

Example

Returning from a Function

Example

Nesting Gets Hard to Read

Example

Do Not Use It for Side Effects

Example

Complete Example

Try It Yourself

Important Points

Conclusion