Remove leading minus sign from numbers in Excel - 3 simple methods
Dealing with negative numbers in Excel can sometimes be tricky, especially when you need to convert them to positive numbers by removing the leading minus sign. This article provides a comprehensive guide on various methods to remove the leading minus sign from numbers in Excel.
Remove leading minus sign from cell with formula
There is an easy formula can help you get the absolute value of the numbers with leading minus.
Select a blank cell next to the numbers, for instance, B1, and type this formula =ABS(A1) (A1 is the cell you want to remove the leading minus sign), and then drag autofill handle down to fill the cells needed this formula. See screenshot:
Remove leading minus sign from cell with Format Cells
If you want to remove the leading minus sign from numbers but also distinguish the negative numbers from the positive ones, you can apply Format Cells function.
1. Select the numbers and then right click to shown the context menu, and select Format Cells. See screenshot:
2. In the Format Cells dialog, under Number tab, select Number from the Category list, and the go to the right section and type 0 into the Decimal place textbox, and select one type of Negative numbers as you need. See screenshot:
3. Then click OK. And now you can see the leading minus signs have been remove, but you also can tell the negative numbers and positives.
Remove leading minus sign from cell with Kutools for Excel
Transform your data seamlessly with Kutools for Excel's Change Sign of Values feature! Whether you need to convert negative numbers to positive or vice versa, Kutools for Excel simplifies the process with just a few clicks.
After free installing Kutools for Excel, please do as below:
1. Select the cells that you want to remove leading minus signs, and then click Kutools > Contents > Change Sign of Values. See screenshot:
2. In the Change Sign of Values dialog, check Change all negative values to positive option, see screenshot:
3. Click Ok. And now you can see all the negative numbers have been converted to positive.
With Change Sign of Values, you can convert all positive values to negatives, fix the trailing negative signs, and change all negatives to zero or reverse the sign of values.
Removing the leading minus sign from numbers in Excel can be done using formulas, Format Cells feature or Kutools for Excel. Each method offers unique benefits, making Excel a versatile tool for data management. Choose the method that best suits your needs and enhance productivity. If you're interested in exploring more Excel tips and tricks, our website offers thousands of tutorials.
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