How to use ABS function in Excel?

The ABS function in Excel is used to return the absolute value of a number, which means it converts any negative number to positive while positive numbers and zero remain unchanged. Here’s how to use the ABS function in Excel:

Basic Usage

     =ABS(number)

Select a Cell: Click on the cell where you want the result to appear.
Enter the Function:

To manually type the function, use the formula:
Replace `number` with the cell reference or the numeric value whose absolute value you want to calculate.

Press Enter: After typing the formula, press `Enter`, and Excel will display the absolute value of the provided number.

Example

Suppose you have the number -15 in cell A1 and you want to find its absolute value:

   =ABS(A1)

Click on cell B1, where you want the result to appear.
Enter the formula:
Press `Enter`. The result in cell B1 will be 15.

Additional Tips

Using with Cell References: You can use cell references inside the ABS function, allowing you to apply it across a range of cells.
Combining with Other Functions: You can use ABS with other Excel functions to perform more complex calculations. For instance, if your data contains both positive and negative values but you want the average based only on absolute values, use it in combination with other functions like `AVERAGE`.

By following these steps, you can effectively utilize the ABS function to ensure that only non-negative numbers are used in your Excel formulas.

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