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In this article, you will learn how to get absolute values in Google Sheets. 

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What is the ABS function in Google Sheets?

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In Google Sheets, the ABS formula is used to calculate the absolute value of a number, which is the positive value of a number regardless of its sign.

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Why is the ABS formula in Google Sheets beneficial?

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Here are some reasons we think the ABS function is useful for you in Google Sheets:

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• Absolute Value Calculation: Easily calculate the positive value of a number, useful for finding magnitudes or distances.

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• Handling Negative Values: Quickly convert negative numbers to positive numbers for calculations involving differences, changes, or distances.

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• Simplified Formulas: Eliminate conditional statements and manual adjustments for negative values, making formulas more concise and readable.

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• Error Prevention: Prevent miscalculations by treating negative numbers as positive numbers, reducing the risk of errors in case it is applicable and needed.

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As shown above, the ABS function is handy when you want to have a positive calculation. Consider including the ABS function in your calculation where needed.

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How to use ABS function in Google Sheets

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• Select a cell you want to show an absolute value

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• Type in “=ABS(” or go to “Insert” tab, move to “Function”, then hit “Math”, and choose “ABS”.

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• Input a number or a series of calculations by manual input or cell reference

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• Done

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Generic formula

=ABS(value)

=ABS(value)

=ABS(value)

=ABS(value)

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Value: A number you want to convert to an absolute value.

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The screenshot below presents examples of how to input value in the formula.

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How do you find the mean absolute deviation in Google Sheets?

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You can see how to compute the mean absolute deviation in this article (to come).

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How do you have absolute references in multiple cells in Google Sheets?

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There is an article about relative and absolute references. Go to this page: Relative Reference and Absolute Reference in Google Sheets: Explained

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