Excel Absolute Value is one of the most useful tools for anyone working with numbers in spreadsheets. Whether you’re cleaning up messy financial data, preparing budgets, or creating reports, the Excel Absolute Value function helps you instantly turn negative numbers into positive ones — no more manual edits or formula headaches. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Excel Absolute Value: how to use the ABS function, formulas, shortcuts, and even a real-world accounting example with a free downloadable template.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about absolute value in Excel, from the basic ABS function to shortcuts, formulas, and advanced tricks.

What Is Absolute Value in Excel?

Absolute value simply means converting any number to its non-negative equivalent.

  • The absolute value of -10 is 10
  • The absolute value of 10 stays 10

In Excel, you can achieve this using the ABS function, which stands for “absolute.”

✅ Formula:

=ABS(number)

Example: =ABS(-45) returns 45.

Practical Example: Mapping Trial Balance to Financial Statements

Many accountants use Excel absolute value when mapping Trial Balance exports (where credits appear as negatives) into financial statements.

👉 We created a free Excel template that automates this mapping — it uses ABS to clean up signs and creates a ready-to-use P&L and Balance Sheet.

📥 Download the Trial Balance to Financial Statement Template here — one of our most downloaded resources.

👉 Check out our accompanying article on Mapping Trial Balance to Financial Statements in Excel

How to Do Absolute Value in Excel

There are three main ways to calculate absolute values in Excel:

1️⃣ The ABS Function (Most Common Method)

  • Select the cell where you want the result.
  • Type =ABS(A1) (replace A1 with the cell reference).
  • Press Enter — Excel will return the absolute value.

✅ Best for: Quick, single-cell calculations.

2️⃣ Converting Values to Positive Without Formulas

Sometimes you just want to turn all negative values positive without leaving formulas in your sheet.

  • Highlight your data
  • Use Paste Special → Values
  • Then apply ABS via Power Query or a helper column

✅ Best for: Cleaning up imported data (like a Trial Balance export).

3️⃣ Using Absolute Value Inside Other Formulas

Absolute value is often nested inside formulas like SUM, IF, or SUMPRODUCT.

Example:

=SUM(ABS(A1:A10))

(In older Excel versions, this needs an array formula: press Ctrl+Shift+Enter.)

✅ Best for: Budgeting, financial statements, and variance calculations.

Shortcut for Absolute Value in Excel

There’s no single keyboard shortcut for absolute value like there is for absolute references (F4).

But here’s a trick:

  • Type your formula normally (=ABS(A1))
  • Drag down or double-click the fill handle
  • This acts as your shortcut for applying ABS across many cells.

What’s the Symbol for Absolute Value in Excel?

In math, we write absolute value like this: |x|.

📌 Important: Excel does not use the | symbol — instead, you must use the ABS function.

How to Make a Value Absolute in Excel

If you have a number that keeps changing based on linked formulas (like a Trial Balance feed), you might want to “lock” its absolute value.

Here’s how:

  • Use =ABS(cell) in a helper column
  • Copy → Paste Values (CTRL + ALT + V)
  • Delete the helper column — now the data stays absolute.

Excel Absolute Value Formula (ABS Function Explained)

The ABS function syntax is simple:

=ABS(number)
  • number: The cell or value you want the absolute value of.

Examples:

  • =ABS(-200) → 200
  • =ABS(B3) → Converts B3 to absolute.

Using Absolute Value in Excel Formulas

You can combine ABS with other functions:

✅ Example with IF:

=IF(ABS(A1)>100, "Large", "Small")

✅ Example with SUMPRODUCT:

=SUMPRODUCT(ABS(A1:A10))

This is powerful for financial statements and budget vs actuals analysis.

Absolute Value in Google Sheets

Google Sheets uses the same ABS function as Excel.

✅ Example:

sqlCopyEdit=ABS(-50)

Result: 50

FAQ: Absolute Value in Excel

✅ What is the shortcut for absolute value in Excel?
There’s no dedicated key, but you can apply =ABS() across many cells using drag-fill.

✅ Can I add absolute values in Excel?
Yes. Use =SUM(ABS(A1:A10)). (Older Excel: press Ctrl+Shift+Enter.)

✅ What’s the difference between absolute value and absolute reference in Excel?

  • Absolute value removes negative signs.
  • Absolute reference (F4 key) locks cell references in formulas.

✅ Does ABS change text or blanks?
No, ABS only works on numbers.

✅ How do I use absolute value in an IF formula?
Combine them like:

Edit=IF(ABS(A1)>50,"Over Budget","OK")

✅ How do I do absolute value on Google Sheets?
Same function: =ABS().

✅ Final Thoughts

Absolute value in Excel is simple but powerful — from cleaning up Trial Balance imports to building better budgets.

By mastering the ABS function and knowing how to nest it into other formulas, you’ll handle negative numbers effortlessly.