Absolute Value Calculator
Find the absolute value (distance from zero) of any number.
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
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Request a ToolHow to Use the Absolute Value Calculator
Enter any number and the absolute value appears instantly. Results update as you type.
- Enter a number. Positive, negative, or zero. Decimals are supported.
- Read the result. The absolute value is shown along with the mathematical expression (e.g., |-42| = 42).
- Copy or share. Use the buttons to grab the result or send a link.
About Absolute Value
The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, regardless of direction. It is always non-negative. For example, |5| = 5 and |-5| = 5. Written with vertical bars around the number, absolute value strips away the sign and returns the magnitude.
Absolute value is used in error calculations, distance formulas, statistics, and anywhere you need the size of a number without caring about its direction. In programming, it is typically written as abs(x) or Math.abs(x).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the absolute value of zero?
The absolute value of zero is zero. |0| = 0. Zero is the only number whose absolute value equals itself and its negative.
Can absolute value ever be negative?
No. By definition, absolute value is always zero or positive. It represents distance, which cannot be negative.
When do you use absolute value in real life?
Absolute value is used to calculate error margins, find distances between points, measure temperature differences, and determine how far a stock price moved regardless of direction.