Excel ABS function
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Description
The ABS function returns the absolute value of a number. Negative numbers will be converted to positive with this function, but positive numbers and zero number will be unaffected.
Syntax and arguments
Formula syntax
| =ABS(number) |
Arguments
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Return Value
The ABS function returns the absolute value of the given number.
Usage and Examples
In this section, I provide some practical applications for using the ABS function in Excel.
Example 1: Get the absolute value of numbers (convert negative numbers to positive numbers)
Formula
=ABS(A2)
Explain: Convert the number in A2 to absolute value (positive value).
You can drag the fill handle down to the cells which you want to apply this formula.
Example 2: Get sun/average of absolute value in Excel
Get the absolute sum of numbers in a range.
Array formula syntax:
=SUM(ABS(range))
Press Shift + Ctrl + Enter keys at the same time to get the correct calculation
Take getting absolute sum of numbers in A2:A7 as instance, enter formula
=SUM(ABS(A2:A7))
And press Shift + Ctrl + Enter keys simultaneously to get the correct result.
Tip:
1. you also can use this formula =SUMPRODUCT(ABS(A2:A7)) and press the Enter key to get absolute sum.
2. If you want to get absolute average value of numbers in a range, use this array formula
=AVERAGE(ABS(range)),
and press Shift + Ctrl + Enter keys simultaneously.
Example 3: Get absolute difference between numbers/dates in Excel
Formula Syntax
=ABS(number1-number2)
Arguments
Number1, number2: Required. The two numbers whose absolute difference you want to get.
Take below screenshot for instance：
Calculate the absolute difference of A2 and B2, use this formula
=ABS(A2-B2)
Tip: if you want to calculate the absolute difference between two times, use =ABS(number1-number2), and format the results to time.
Sample File
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