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How to get the opposite of a ABS value in Excel?

Author Sun Last modified

To get the opposite of an absolute value (ABS), simply add a negative sign in front of the absolute value expression, please read on to find out how.

Get opposite of absolute value by formula

Get opposite of absolute value by Change Sign of Values

arrow blue right bubble Get opposite of absolute value by formula

To get the opposite of the absolute value, you just need one formula.

Select a blank cell next to the value you use, type this formula, =ABS(A1) * -1 (A1 is the value you use), and drag auto fill handle down to apply this formula to the cells you need. See screenshot:
A screenshot of using the formula =ABS(A1) * -1 in Excel to convert a value to negative

arrow blue right bubble Get opposite of absolute value by Change Sign of Values

If you're interested in an add-in tool, here’s an introduction to the Kutools for Excel’s Change Sign of Values utility. With it, you can quickly convert negative to positive value or vice versa, or reverse the sign of values.

Kutools for Excel offers over 300 advanced features to streamline complex tasks, boosting creativity and efficiency. Itegarate with AI capabilities, Kutools automates tasks with precision, making data management effortless. Detailed information of Kutools for Excel...         Free trial...

Select the value you want to change to negative values, and click Kutools > Content > Change Sign of Values.
A screenshot of the Change Sign of Values option under the Kutools Content menu in Excel

Then in the popping dialog, check Change all positive values to negative option, click Ok or Apply to close the dialog. See screenshot:
A screenshot of the Change Sign of Values dialog boxA screenshot showing the result after applying Change Sign of Values

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