Excel ABS function Example

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The ABS function in Excel returns the absolute value of a number. In other words: the ABS function removes the minus sign (-) from a negative number, making it positive.

1. For example, the ABS function in cell B1 below returns the absolute value of a negative number.

Worked Example:   Change negative numbers to positive in Excel

The ABS function has no effect on 0 (zero) or positive numbers.

2. The absolute value of 0 is 0.

3. The absolute value of a positive number is the same positive number.

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When do we need the ABS function in Excel?

4. For example, calculate the forecast error (difference between the actual and the forecast value) for each month.

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Note: if we look at the sum of these errors (zero), this forecast model seems perfect, but it’s not!

5. Simply use the ABS function to calculate the absolute error for each month.

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