➕ Math Function · beginner
ABS Function in Google Sheets
Returns the absolute value of a number.
Syntax
ABS(value)Returns: Non-negative version of value.
Excel equivalent: ABS (identical)
Parameters
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| value | Required | The number. |
Examples
Variance regardless of direction
=ABS(A2 - B2)Distance between values, always positive.
Sum of magnitudes
=SUMPRODUCT(ABS(A2:A100))Sums treating negatives as positive.
Detect change
=ABS(A2 - A1) > 0.01TRUE if value moved in either direction.
When to use an alternative
- SQRT(x^2) — Rare power math.
Common errors and how to fix them
Lost sign matters
Cause: Discards direction.
Fix: Keep SIGN(x) alongside if needed.
Related functions
MAX
Returns the largest numeric value in a range or set of arguments. Used for peaks, ceilings, and boun...
MIN
Returns the smallest numeric value in a range or set of arguments. The mirror of MAX, commonly used ...
SUMPRODUCT
Multiplies corresponding elements in arrays and returns the sum. Used for weighted averages and comp...
MOD
Returns the remainder of a division. Used for divisibility tests, cycles, and conditional formatting...
ROUND
Rounds a number to a specified number of decimal places using standard half-away-from-zero rounding....
Frequently Asked Questions
ABS vs SIGN?
ABS is magnitude. SIGN is just sign (-1/0/1). SIGN(x) * ABS(x) = x.