Lodash _.times() Method

Beginner
5 min read
Updated: Nov 2026
5 examples
Util
Decorative image with the word TIMES

Definition

Invokes an iteratee n times and returns an array of the results. The iteratee receives one argument: the zero-based index. Part of Lodash Util since 0.1.0 (stable — not deprecated).

Note: Default iteratee is _.identity, so _.times(3) yields [0, 1, 2].

Syntax

Call _.times. Start with this line.

Lodash
_.times(n, [iteratee=_.identity])
CallWhat it does
_.times(n, [iteratee=_.identity])Primary signature.
_.times(...)Call the util helper.

Prefer import times from "lodash/times" when you want a smaller bundle.

Library declarations
Lodash
_.times(n, [iteratee=_.identity])

Parameters

ParameterDescription
nRequired. How many times to invoke the iteratee
iterateeOptional. Called with (index); default _.identity

Return Value

Return ValueDescription
*Array of each invocation’s return value

Lodash Examples

Example 1 — Official: String Iteratee

Convert each index to a string — the docs’ canonical demo.

Lodash
_.times(3, String);
// → ['0', '1', '2']
Try It Yourself

How It Works

  1. Count. n = 3 means three calls.
  2. Index. Lodash passes 0, then 1, then 2.
  3. Convert. String(index) turns each number into text.
  4. Collect. Results land in a new array in order.

Example 2 — Map Each Index

Return a computed value from the index — double each slot.

Lodash
_.times(3, function (i) {
  return i * 2;
});
// → [0, 2, 4]
Try It Yourself

How It Works

  1. Iteratee. Receives i as the current index.
  2. Transform. i * 2 builds the slot value.
  3. Order. Slots stay in call order: 0 → 2 → 4.
  4. Use. Ideal when each step must compute, not just list numbers.

Example 3 — Default _.identity

Omit the iteratee to get the indexes themselves.

Lodash
_.times(3);
// → [0, 1, 2]

_.times(0);
// → []
Try It Yourself

How It Works

  1. Default. Missing iteratee → _.identity.
  2. Echo. Each index is returned unchanged.
  3. Empty. n = 0 skips the loop and returns [].
  4. Alt. For the same list, _.range(3) is also fine.

Example 4 — Pair with _.constant

Fill slots with the same object reference (official constant pattern).

Lodash
var objects = _.times(2, _.constant({ a: 1 }));

console.log(objects);
// → [{ a: 1 }, { a: 1 }]

console.log(objects[0] === objects[1]);
// → true
Try It Yourself

How It Works

  1. Factory. _.constant({ a: 1 }) closes over one object.
  2. Repeat. _.times(2, fn) calls it twice.
  3. Same ref. Both array slots point to that object.
  4. Caution. Mutating one slot mutates the other — clone if you need isolation.

Example 5 — Build Unique Ids

Generate a list of unique string ids with _.uniqueId.

Lodash
_.times(3, function () {
  return _.uniqueId("row_");
});
// → ["row_1", "row_2", "row_3"]  (numbers grow per process)
Try It Yourself

How It Works

  1. Ignore index. The iteratee does not need i here.
  2. Unique. Each call to _.uniqueId("row_") bumps a counter.
  3. Prefix. Every id starts with row_.
  4. Array. You get three distinct strings ready for list keys or placeholders.
Compatibility

Browser & Runtime Support

_.times is a Lodash Util helper since 0.1.0. It runs anywhere Lodash runs — modern browsers (CDN or bundle) and Node.js / Bun / Deno with npm install lodash.

✓ Stable · Lodash 0.1.0+

_.times()

Available in [email protected] full builds and the lodash/times modular import. Works in evergreen browsers and current Node LTS when Lodash is installed.

100% With Lodash 0.1+
Google Chrome Supported · Desktop & Mobile
Full support
Mozilla Firefox Supported · Desktop & Mobile
Full support
Apple Safari Supported · macOS & iOS
Full support
Microsoft Edge Supported · Chromium
Full support
Internet Explorer No native support · Use a polyfill
Polyfill
Opera Supported · Modern versions
Full support
Samsung Internet Supported · Android
Full support
Bun Supported · JavaScript runtime
Supported
Deno Supported · JavaScript runtime
Supported
Node.js Supported · Server runtime
Supported
Android WebView Supported · Modern WebView
Full support
_.times Lodash 0.1.0+

Bottom line: Safe for production once Lodash is loaded. Prefer import times from "lodash/times" for smaller bundles. Use it when you need an array of n computed results keyed by index.

Frequently Asked Questions

_.times(n, iteratee) invokes iteratee n times with the index 0, 1, …, n − 1, and returns an array of each return value. Official: _.times(3, String) → ['0','1','2'].
One argument: the zero-based index. There is no collection element — only the count index.
_.identity. So _.times(3) returns [0, 1, 2] — each index echoed back.
Lodash returns []. The iteratee is never called. No manual guard is required for empty counts.
_.range builds a number sequence from start/end/step. _.times runs a function n times and collects results. Use range for numeric arrays; times when each step computes a value.
Use a for loop when you need break/continue, await per iteration, or heavy imperative control. Use _.times for a compact array-of-results expression.

Next: _.toPath()

Convert a value into a Lodash property path array.

_.toPath() tutorial →

About the author

Mari Selvan M P
Mari Selvan M P 🔗

Developer, cloud engineer, and technical writer

  • Experience 12 years building web and cloud systems
  • Focus Full Stack Development, AWS, and Developer Education

I write practical tutorials so students and working developers can learn by doing—from databases and APIs to deployment on AWS.

AWS Certified Developer – Associate (Credly)

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