ABS

Function

Returns the absolute value of a number

Interactive example

Spreadsheet editor

Syntax

=ABS(number)

Arguments

Argument Required Description
number Yes The number for which you want the absolute value

About

The ABS function returns the absolute value of a number. This function removes the sign from a number and always returns a positive value. The absolute value of a number is the number without its sign. For example, the absolute value of both -5 and 5 is 5.

Examples

=ABS(-5) returns 5
=ABS(3.14) returns 3.14
=ABS(0) returns 0
=ABS(-10.5) returns 10.5

Notes

The ABS function is useful when you need to work with the magnitude of a number regardless of its sign. This is commonly used in financial calculations, distance calculations, and data analysis.

Common questions

Can ABS work with cell references?

Yes, you can use ABS with cell references. For example, =ABS(A1) will return the absolute value of the number in cell A1.

What happens if I use ABS with text?

If you use ABS with text that cannot be converted to a number, it will return a #VALUE! error.

Practice this function

Absolute Values with ABS

Beginner

Use the ABS function to find absolute values

1 min Start →

Related functions

SIGN ROUND INT TRUNC