# TypeError: Reduce of empty array with no initial value

**Code:** `reduce empty` · **Category:** JavaScript · **Seen on:** JavaScript

Array.reduce() ran on an empty array without an initial value.

## Meaning

Without an initial value reduce uses the first element as the accumulator — impossible on an empty array.

## Common causes

- reduce on filtered results that are empty
- Missing initial value argument

## Quick fix

1. Always pass an initial value: arr.reduce((a, b) => a + b, 0)
2. Check for empty arrays before reducing when no sensible default exists

## Detailed fix by platform

### JavaScript

1. `const total = items.reduce((sum, i) => sum + i.price, 0);`

## How to diagnose

1. **Array** — Can it be empty?
2. **Call** — Initial value passed?

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Source: [WhatIsMyError](https://whatismyerror.com/errors/javascript/typeerror-reduce-of-empty-array-with-no-initial-value)