How to Get Absolute value in Google Sheets ( Easy Guide )

In this tutorial, we will learn How to Get Absolute value in Google Sheets.

Google Sheets comes with an ABS function using which you can easily get absolute values for negative numbers in your Google Sheet without the need to edit any cell. You can use this simple function by entering  “=ABS(value)“.The ABS value will be a number or cell reference.

To to Get Absolute value in Google Sheets follow the below steps :

Method 1: Using the ABS Function

Method 2 : By Converting Negative Numbers to Positive Numbers

Method 3 : Using Add-on

Let’s go through the detailed steps on How to Get Absolute value in Google Sheets

How to Get Absolute value in Google Sheets : Step by Step Guide

To Get Absolute value in Google Sheets follow the below methods.

Method 1: Using the ABS Function

  • The easiest way to get absolute value in Google Sheets is using the ABS function.
  • It returns an Absolute value of a Negative number.

ABS Function Syntax.

=ABS(value)

Example :

In the below example we have a list of Negative numbers -35,-27,-64. We will try to get the absolute value for these numbers using the ABS Function.

How to Get Absolute value in Google Sheets
  • In the Result section on Column B,type the ABS function “=ABS(value)” and press enter.

For below example : =ABS(A2)

It returns an absolute value which is 35. Just copy the formula to other cells to the result for the rest of the numbers.

Method 2 : By Converting Negative Numbers to Positive Numbers

  • The suggested approach is to use the ABS function. However, you can also use other methods to get absolute value for negative numbers.

One such method is to add a minus (-) sign in the formula “= – cell reference

For example, you can type: = – A2, where A2 is the cell reference, and Click Enter

  • The returned result is an absolute value as shown below.
  • Google Sheets provides an auto-fill feature using which the formula will be applied to the rest of the remaining cells . You just need to confirm the auto-fill as shown below.

Method 3 : Using Add-on

To convert Negative numbers to Positive numbers we will use an add-on called Power Tools. This Add-on is particularly helpful if you have a large list of numbers.

To install the Add-on Click on the plus sign on the right bottom corner of your Google Sheet as shown below.

  • You can also go to Extensions -> Add-ons-Manage add-ons
  • Both the above-mentioned options will take you to the Google Workspace where your can search and install the Power Tools add-on.

Once the add-on is installed follow the below Steps.

Step 1: Click on Extensions.

  • Go to Extensions on the Main Menu Bar.
  • Under Extensions Click on Power Tools and then click on Start.

Extensions->Power Tools->Start

Step 2: In Power Tools, Click on Convert

Once the Power Tools screen is open on the right-hand side of your Google Sheet. Click on Convert as shown below

Step 3: Select the Convert number Sign Checkbox.

Select Convert number Sign Checkbox

Under Convert number sign, ensure “Negative numbers to Positive numbers is selected “

Step 4: Select Cell Range.

  • Now select the range of numbers for which you want to get the result using Shift and mouse Click.
  • Just click on First Cell, then press and hold Shift Key and Click on Last Cell which will select all the cells.

Step 5: Now Click on Run in Power Tools.

Negative signs have been removed from the cells A2, A3, A4, and now the cells contain absolute values.

Conclusion :

In this tutorial, we have gone through three different methods using which you can get absolute value in Google Sheets.

We hope this tutorial on How to Get Absolute value in Google Sheets was helpful.

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