Absolute value is a mathematical term that is defined as the distance between a number and zero, irrespective of its sign. In Excel, the formula that helps you calculate the absolute value of a number or a matrix is the ABS function. This function is used to return the absolute value of a given number or a range of numbers in Excel. In this article, we will discuss how to get the absolute value of a number or a matrix using Excel.

The ABS function is used to calculate the absolute value of a numeric value. This function works by returning the absolute value of a numeric value, ignoring its sign. The syntax for the ABS function is as follows:

=ABS(number)

To use this function, you should have an understanding of its components. The argument number is the numeric value whose absolute value you wish to calculate. Let us consider the following example;

Suppose we have a list of numerical values in column A, as shown below:

To calculate the absolute value of the numbers listed, we will insert the ABS function in column B, as follows:

=ABS(A2)

The result will be the absolute value of the first number in column A as shown below:

To apply the formula to the other numbers in the column, copy the formula in cell B2 and paste it in the other cells in column B.

You can also calculate the absolute value of a matrix in Excel by using the ABS function. To calculate the absolute value of a matrix, follow the steps below:

1. Create a matrix in Excel

Consider the following matrix:

2. Select a cell where you want to display the result of the absolute value calculation.

3. Enter the ABS function in the cell you selected.

4. Highlight the matrix whose absolute value you want to calculate.

5. Close the parentheses and hit enter.

For example, to calculate the absolute value of the matrix above, follow the steps below:

1. Select a cell where you want to display the result of the calculation – this can be any cell.

2. Enter the ABS function as shown below:

=ABS(

3. Highlight the matrix you want to calculate.

4. Close the parentheses and press enter.