Change negative numbers to positive in Excel

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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.

Worked Example:   Find Closest Match in Excel Using INDEX, MATCH, ABS and MIN functions

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

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