What does ^ (caret) mean in a version range?

^ allows MINOR and PATCH updates but not MAJOR. ^1.2.3 allows >=1.2.3 <2.0.0. It is the most common range specifier in package.json files.

When should I use a fixed version?

Use exact versions (no ^ or ~) in package-lock.json, yarn.lock or for critical dependencies where any update could break your app. Use ranges in package.json for normal dependency updates.

Semver Comparator — Compare Semantic Version Numbers

Version Range Reference

Range	Meaning	Example matches
1.2.3	Exact version	1.2.3 only
^1.2.3	Compatible with (caret) — allow minor + patch	1.2.3, 1.3.0, 1.9.9 — not 2.0.0
~1.2.3	Approximately (tilde) — allow patch only	1.2.3, 1.2.9 — not 1.3.0
>=1.2.3	Greater than or equal	1.2.3, 2.0.0, 3.1.0
>=1.0.0 <2.0.0	Range between versions	1.0.0 through 1.x.x
1.2.x	Wildcard patch	1.2.0, 1.2.99
*	Any version	All versions

How to Use It

Open the tool

Go to Dev Utilities and scroll to the Semver Comparator.

Compare two versions

Enter two version strings (e.g. 1.5.2 and 2.0.0) to see which is greater.

Test a version range

Enter a range (e.g. ^1.2.0) and a version to check if it satisfies the range.

Read the result

See the comparison result and range satisfaction — useful when evaluating dependency updates.

Pro Tips

💡Use ^ in package.json for most dependencies — it allows minor and patch updates while blocking major breaking changes.

💡Use ~ for dependencies where even minor updates may break things — databases, authentication libraries, critical APIs.

💡Lock files (package-lock.json, yarn.lock) pin exact versions regardless of the range in package.json — always commit your lock file.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is semantic versioning?

MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH — MAJOR for breaking changes, MINOR for backwards-compatible new features, PATCH for bug fixes. 2.0.0 → breaking change from 1.x.

What does ^ (caret) mean?

Allows MINOR and PATCH updates but not MAJOR. ^1.2.3 allows ≥1.2.3 <2.0.0. The most common specifier in npm package.json files.

What does ~ (tilde) mean?

Allows only PATCH updates. ~1.2.3 allows ≥1.2.3 <1.3.0. More restrictive than caret.

When should I use exact versions?

For critical or sensitive dependencies where any update could cause issues. Lock files pin versions for reproducible installs regardless of the range in the manifest.

Compare versions now

Open the Semver Comparator and test any version range or comparison instantly — free, no login required.

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