How To Make An Absolute Value In Excel

Calculating Absolute Values in Excel

To calculate the absolute value of a number in Excel, use the ABS function. The absolute value is the number without its sign, effectively providing the distance of the number from zero. The required syntax to apply the ABS function is ABS(number), where number is the argument specifying the real number of which you want to find the absolute value.

Using the ABS Function

For the ABS function to work, the number argument must be provided. It's a mandatory parameter that represents the actual number you need the absolute value of. Simply enter =ABS(A1) into a cell, replacing "A1" with the cell that contains the number you're working with, or directly input the numeric value.

Switching Cell Reference Types

Understanding the reference type used in your function is also important. In Excel, cell references default to relative references. Use the F4 key to toggle between relative, absolute, and mixed references in your formulas, ensuring your ABS function references the intended cell correctly.

Shortcuts and Tips

Excel does not have a specific shortcut key for the ABS function itself. However, you can quickly adapt cell references within your formula with F4 to cycle through relative and absolute references, which aids in managing how your ABS functions react when copied across cells.

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