---
title: Calendar::prev
type: method
---

Moves the calendar one step back (by a month or week for example).

<div class='spec'>

calendar.prev()

</div>

If the calendar is in `dayGridMonth` view, will move the calendar back one month.

If the calendar is in `dayGridWeek` or `timeGridWeek`, will move the calendar back one week.

If the calendar is in `dayGridDay` or `timeGridDay`, will move the calendar back one day.

Example using `prev` with an external button:

```js
document.getElementById('my-prev-button').addEventListener('click', function() {
  calendar.prev();
});
```

[View a demo](date-api-buttons-demo) that uses the prev and next methods.