Absolute Value Calculator

About Absolute Value Calculator

The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line. It is always non-negative.

How to use this calculator

1. Enter a number into the calculator, such as -18 or 4.5.
2. Check the displayed absolute value, which removes any negative sign.
3. Use the result as a distance or magnitude, so it is never negative.
4. If your expression has parentheses, evaluate that part first, then take the absolute value.

The formula explained

The formula \(|x|\) means the absolute value of the number or expression \\x\\. It computes the nonnegative distance of \\x\\ from 0.

• x = the number or expression you want the absolute value of

Step by step method

1. Start with the number you want to evaluate.
2. If the number is negative, change it to its positive opposite, because absolute value removes the sign.
3. If the number is already positive or 0, leave it as it is.

Worked example

Problem. Find the absolute value of -12.

1. The number is -12, which is 12 units from 0 on the number line.
2. Absolute value makes the result nonnegative, so \(|-12| = 12\).
3. The absolute value is 12.

Tips and common mistakes

• Absolute value does not mean "make it positive by changing every negative sign in a whole expression". First simplify the expression, then take the absolute value.
• Remember that \(|0| = 0\), and absolute value can never be negative.

Frequently asked questions