What is the ABS function in Excel?
The ABSOLUTE (ABS) function is one of the math functions in Excel.
It removes the sign of a number and returns just a positive number.
We can find this function in Math & trig of insert function Tab.
How to use ABS function in Excel
- Click on an empty cell (like F5).

2. Click on fx icon (or press shift+F3).

3. In the insert function tab you will see all functions.

4. Select math & trig category.
5. Select ABS function.
6. Then select ok.

7. In the function arguments Tab you will see the ABS function.
8. In the number box you must enter 1 number of (-,0,+).

9. If you enter -1 result will be 1.

10. If you enter +1 result will be 1.

11. If you enter 0 result will be 0.

12. You will see results in formula result at the end of function arguments Tab

Examples of ABS function in excel
Example 1:
How to use ABS function in excel
You can see examples of ABS function below:
abs(+3) ----->>>>answer is 3
abs(0) ----->>>>answer is 0
abs(-3) ----->>>>answer is 3
Example 2:
How to plot Y=ABS(X) with python code in excel
we can use Python code for abs function in excel:
import numpy as np
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
x =np.linspace(-1,+1, 100)
lenx=len(x)
y=[]
for i in range(lenx):
y.append(abs(x[i]))
i +=1
plt.plot(x,y)
plt.show()
Example 3:
How can find number’s distance from zero?
ABS(+3) ----->>>>answer is 3
ABS(0) ----->>>>answer is 0
ABS(-3) ----->>>>answer is 3
By ABS function, we can find distance from zero.
Example 4:
How can convert negative number to positive?
By ABS function, we can change negative number to positive.
ABS(-1) ----->>>>answer is 1
ABS(-2) ----->>>>answer is 2
ABS(-3) ----->>>>answer is 3
Purpose of ABS function
It removes the sign of a number and returns just a positive number.
Return value of ABS function
It returns a positive number.
Arguments of ABS function
- The argument of ABS function is number.
- This function has just 1 Argument.
- The argument of ABS function is required and not optional.
ABS(+-number) = +number
Version of excel supports ABS function
This function is available for all excel versions (2007-2019).
Errors in ABS function
If you enter a non-numeric number, the output show #VALUE! or #NAME? error
ABS(a) ----->>>>answer is #NAME?
ABS("a") ----->>>>answer is #VALUE!