Excel ABS function

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

Arguments

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