Change negative numbers to positive in Excel

To change negative numbers to positive and leave positive numbers along (i.e. get absolute values) use the built-in ABS function. See illustration below:

Formula

=ABS(number)

Explanation

In the example shown the formula in C6 is:

=ABS(B6)

How this formula works

The ABS function is fully automatic. All you need to do is supply a number and ABS will return the absolute value.

Convert negative numbers in place

If you only need to convert negative numbers once, you can convert in-place with Paste Special:

1. Add -1 to a cell and copy to the clipboard
2. Select the negative numbers you want to convert
3. Use Paste Special > Values + Multiply