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ABS.

Returns the absolute (positive) value of a number.

SyntaxArgumentsExampleInteractive SandboxGeneratorCompatibilityFAQRelatedCheat Sheet
Category: Math & Arithmetic
ExcelExcel 365Excel 2021Excel 2019Google Sheets

How it works.

ABS strips the sign from a number, converting negative numbers into positive numbers while leaving positive numbers unchanged.

Formula syntax.

Standard Excel Notation
=ABS(number)
Tip:Arguments wrapped in square brackets [like_this] are optional; all other arguments are required.

Formula arguments.

Every parameter accepted by the ABS function is detailed below.

numberRequired

The real number you want the absolute value of.

Example value: A2

Simple example.

Step-by-Step Scenario

Variance Analysis - Positive Difference

Calculate absolute variance between budgeted and actual expenses.

ActualBudgetAbsolute Variance
12501500—
22001900—
Applied Formula
=ABS(A2 - B2)
Expected Result:250

Evaluates ABS over the sample table cells, placing the verified output in cell C2.

Formula generator.

Full Generator Wizard

Customize the argument fields below to generate a tailored ABS formula ready to paste directly into your worksheet.

Generated FormulaReady to copy
=ABS()

Expected result behavior.

Returns number 250 based on sample evaluation criteria and active cell references.

Sample Output:250
Output Type:Numeric (Double/Integer)

Best Practices

  • Use ABS to calculate variance differences: =ABS(Actual - Budget) always produces a positive distance.

Common Mistakes

  • Text values return a #VALUE! error.
Compatibility Database

Platform & version compatibility.

Verified platform compatibility matrix based on actual spreadsheet calculation engine specifications.

Excel✓
Supported
Excel 365✓
Supported
Excel 2021✓
Supported
Excel 2019✓
Supported
Google Sheets✓
Supported
Microsoft Excel History & Version Availability

Core standard function supported across all modern and legacy Microsoft Excel versions (365, 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010), as well as Excel for the Web and Mac.

Google Sheets Compatibility Notes

100% compatible with Google Sheets. Uses identical argument order, data types, and standard calculation logic.

Frequently asked questions.

Technical Q&A
Can I use ABS across different worksheets in Excel?↓

Yes. You can reference cells located on other sheets by including the sheet name followed by an exclamation mark, for example: =ABS(Sheet2!A2:A10). If the sheet name contains spaces, enclose it in single quotes: ='Q1 Report'!A2:A10.

What is the most common reason for errors in ABS?↓

Text values return a #VALUE! error.

Does ABS work identically in Google Sheets?↓

Yes, ABS is supported in both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets with standard evaluation behavior.