ABS

Formulas / ABS
Calculate the absolute value of a number
=ABS(number)
  • number - required real number to take the absolute value of

Examples

  • =ABS(-3)

    This Sourcetable formula returns the absolute value of a negative number. This example returns 3. This is because the absolute value of -3 is 3, regardless of its sign.

  • This Sourcetable formula returns the absolute value of a positive number. In this example, =ABS(5) returns 5. This is because the absolute value of 5 is 5, regardless of its sign.

    This Sourcetable formula returns the absolute value of a number. In this example, =ABS(0) returns 0. This is because the absolute value of 0 is 0, regardless of its sign.

    This Sourcetable formula returns the absolute value of the difference between two numbers. In this example, =ABS(B1-A1) returns the absolute value of the difference between B1 and A1. This is useful for finding the distance between two numbers, regardless of the sign.


Summary

The ABS function returns the absolute value of a real number argument by removing its sign. It is required to provide a real number argument to get the absolute value.

  • The ABS function takes a single argument which must be numeric; if it is not, it will return a #VALUE! error.
  • The absolute value of a number is the distance of the number on a number line from zero.
  • ABS turns negative numbers into positive numbers, but does not change positive numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ABS function?
The ABS function is a mathematical function used to calculate the absolute value of a number. Absolute value is the absolute distance a number is from zero on a number line.
How does ABS work?
The ABS function takes only one argument, the number, and transforms any negative numbers into positive ones while leaving any positive numbers unchanged.
What kind of argument does ABS require?
ABS requires only a numerical argument.
What does ABS do to positive numbers?
ABS does not affect positive numbers.
Sourcetable Logo

Work smarter

Al is here to help. Leverage the latest models to
analyze spreadsheets, enrich data, and create reports.

Drop CSV