Absolute Value Calculator
Find absolute value of any number.
Input
Result
What is an Absolute Value Calculator?
An Absolute Value Calculator returns the non-negative value of any real number, stripping away its sign. Absolute value represents the distance from zero on the number line, so it is always zero or positive.
How to calculate absolute value manually (the formula)
If the number x is positive or zero, |x| = x. If x is negative, |x| = −x. In simple terms, just remove the negative sign if there is one.
Example calculation
Find the absolute value of −8. Since −8 is negative, |−8| = −(−8) = 8. The absolute value of 8 is simply 8.
Common mistakes
- Treating absolute value as parentheses — |−3 + 5| ≠ |−3| + |5|. Compute inside first: |2| = 2.
- Thinking absolute value always changes the number — Positive numbers are unchanged; only negative numbers lose their sign.
- Confusing absolute value with squaring — Squaring always gives a positive result but also changes the magnitude. Absolute value preserves magnitude.
Frequently asked questions
What is absolute value?
Absolute value is the distance a number is from zero on the number line, always non-negative.
How do I calculate absolute value?
If the number is positive, keep it; if negative, drop the negative sign.
What is the absolute value of -5?
The absolute value of -5 is 5.
Can absolute value be negative?
No, absolute value is always zero or positive.
Why is absolute value useful?
It is used to measure distance, magnitude, and error without regard to direction.