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Excel ABS function

doc abs function 1

Description

Syntax and Arguments

Usage and Examples


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

  • Number: Required. The number whose absolute value you want to get.

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.
doc abs function 2


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.
doc abs function 3

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)
doc abs function 4

Tip: if you want to calculate the absolute difference between two times, use =ABS(number1-number2), and format the results to time.


Sample File
doc sample file


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