# Is decimal.js-light ESM-only? Can you require() it?

> decimal.js-light@2.5.1 is a CommonJS package. CommonJS — require() works on every Node.js version we test.

An arbitrary-precision Decimal type for JavaScript.

Last verified Sep 9, 2026 against decimal.js-light@2.5.1.

decimal.js-light ships CommonJS only. require("decimal.js-light") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun. import "decimal.js-light" also works because Node.js and Bun can import CommonJS from ES modules, but only the default export is guaranteed; named imports depend on Node's static analysis of the module.

It also declares a "module" field, so bundlers such as webpack, Vite and esbuild pick up an ESM build for tree-shaking.

## What to do

1. require("decimal.js-light") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun.
2. From ES modules use the default import: import decimalJsLight from "decimal.js-light"; then destructure. Named imports only work when Node.js can statically detect the exports.
3. TypeScript: types are bundled; install nothing extra.

## Facts

- Latest: 2.5.1 (Sep 30, 2020)
- Module format: CommonJS
- Last CommonJS version: 2.5.1
- TypeScript types: bundled
- Node engines: not declared
- Weekly downloads: 47.4M
- License: MIT

## Runtime test results for decimal.js-light@2.5.1

Installed and executed on Sep 9, 2026 with require("decimal.js-light") from a CommonJS file and import "decimal.js-light" from an ES module.

| Runtime | require("decimal.js-light") | import "decimal.js-light" |
|---|---|---|
| Node.js 18 | works | works |
| Node.js 20 | works | works |
| Node.js 22 | works | works |
| Node.js 24 | works | works |
| Node.js 26 | works | works |
| Bun 1.4.0 | works | works |

## How to import decimal.js-light

ES modules:

```js
import decimalJsLight from "decimal.js-light";
```

CommonJS:

```js
const decimalJsLight = require("decimal.js-light");
```

## Module format by version

Derived from the type, main and exports fields of every stable release on npm (17 versions; the newest 17 shown).

| Versions | Format | First published |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0.2 – 2.5.1 | CommonJS | Feb 25, 2016 |

## Frequently asked

**Is decimal.js-light ESM-only?**

decimal.js-light@2.5.1 is a CommonJS package. decimal.js-light ships CommonJS only. require("decimal.js-light") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun. import "decimal.js-light" also works because Node.js and Bun can import CommonJS from ES modules, but only the default export is guaranteed; named imports depend on Node's static analysis of the module.

**Can I import decimal.js-light with ES module syntax?**

Yes. import decimalJsLight from "decimal.js-light" works in Node.js and Bun because they support importing CommonJS modules. Named imports work only when Node.js can statically detect the exports.

**Does decimal.js-light work in Bun?**

Yes. import "decimal.js-light" loaded successfully in Bun 1.4.0 on Sep 9, 2026.

**Does decimal.js-light ship TypeScript types?**

Yes. decimal.js-light bundles its own type declarations; no @types package is needed.

## Links

- [decimal.js-light on npm](https://www.npmjs.com/package/decimal.js-light)
- [Source repository](https://github.com/MikeMcl/decimal.js-light)
- [HTML version](https://canirequire.com/package/decimal.js-light/)
- [JSON version](https://canirequire.com/package/decimal.js-light.json)

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