{n,} Quantifier?Place {n,} after a token to match it at least n times, with no upper limit. The trailing comma is what means “or more.” Greedy by default — it takes as many as it can.
token{n,} → n or more of token
\d{3,} → "123" ✓ · "12345" ✓ · "12" ✗
.{8,} → at least 8 characters
{2} exact · {2,} two or more · {2,4} between 2 and 4
{1,} = + · {0,} = *| Use | Prefer |
|---|---|
| At least n | token{n,} |
| Exactly n | token{n} |
| Between n and m | token{n,m} |
{n,}Attach {n,} when you need a minimum count but no maximum.
\d, ., \s, (ha).{n,} with your minimum — e.g. \d{3,}, .{8,}.^ and $ when validating a whole field’s minimum length.| Piece | Required? | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Preceding token | Yes | What repeats |
{n,} | Yes | Minimum count; no upper bound |
? after it | Optional | Lazy form: {n,}? |
pattern = <token>{n,}
// greedy: take as many as possible, then backtrack if needed
count = 0
while next input matches <token>:
count = count + 1
if count < n:
fail
else:
// success — count is at least n
continue with rest of patternKeep these facts handy while writing minimum-count patterns.
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Meaning | At least n of the previous token |
| Digits | \d{3,} — three or more digits |
| Min length | /^.{8,}$/ |
| Whitespace runs | \s{2,} |
| Shorthand | {1,} = + · {0,} = * |
| Lazy | {n,}? — as few as possible (≥ n) |
| Standard | ES3+ (universal) |
Pick an “n or more” pattern and a sample string to see test() / match() results.
Short, copy-ready snippets. Open DevTools Console, or use Try It Yourself for a live editor.
\d{3,}Find digit runs where at least three digits appear in a row.
const samples = ["12", "123", "12345", "ab12"];
samples.forEach((s) => {
console.log(s, s.match(/\d{3,}/));
});{3,} needs at least three digits."12" and "ab12" never reach three → null."123" matches the whole run."12345" matches all five digits, not just three.{2} Exact vs {2,} At-LeastSee how the trailing comma changes how much of a longer run is kept.
const s = "aaa";
console.log(s.match(/a{2}/)); // ["aa"] — exactly two
console.log(s.match(/a{2,}/)); // ["aaa"] — two or more (greedy)
console.log(/a{2}/.test("a")); // false
console.log(/a{2,}/.test("a")); // false — both need ≥ 2/a{2}/ on "aaa" returns "aa"./a{2,}/ greedily takes all three a characters."a" — the minimum is still two.{n}. Need a minimum? Use {n,}.^.{8,}$Require at least eight characters for the entire input.
const rule = /^.{8,}$/;
console.log(rule.test("short")); // false
console.log(rule.test("longenough")); // true
console.log(rule.test("verylongpass")); // true. matches one char; {8,} needs eight or more.^ and $ measure the full value, not a substring."short" has five characters → false.Check these before relying on {n,} in real projects.
\d{3,} on "12345" returns all five digits. Use {n,}? for the shortest run that still meets the minimum.
{3} is exact. {3,} is three or more. The comma is the whole difference.
^…$Without anchors, .{8,} can match eight characters inside a longer string. Use /^.{8,}$/ for whole-field checks.
The {n,} quantifier is part of core JavaScript regex (ES3+). It works everywhere without polyfills.
Supported in every modern and legacy browser, plus all Node.js versions. Universal syntax for n-or-more repetition.
Bottom line: Safe everywhere. Use {n,} whenever you need a minimum count with no upper limit.
| Pattern style | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
\d{n,} / \w{n,} | Usually cheap | Minimum runs of known classes |
^.{n,}$ | Cheap | Whole-string minimum length |
Open .* + nested braces | Can explode | Prefer specific classes and clear bounds |
Simple {n,} patterns are fine in everyday code. Prefer specific classes (\d, \s) over open . when you can, and add an upper bound with {n,m} if unbounded matching is risky.
{n,} means at least n — no maximum.{1,} = +, {0,} = *.{n,}?.One line: {n,} sets a floor with no ceiling — perfect for minimum length and “at least this many” runs.
Learn how to require between n and m repetitions inclusive.
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