ABS
Formulas / ABSCalculate 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?
How does ABS work?
What kind of argument does ABS require?
What does ABS do to positive numbers?
