How to change a negative number to positive in excel

If you have a set of negative numbers you can easily convert them into positive ones. It can be useful, for example, if you have to use these numbers for another calculation. To change a negative number into positive in Excel there are two main options:

• Option 1. To use the “ABS” function;
• Option 2. To multiply the number with “-1”.

Option 1 – Use the “ABS” function

Excel offers the “ABS” function to remove the sign before the number. To remove the “-” with this function proceed as follows. 

Step 1 – Select in which cell you’ll write the function 

• Select the cell by clicking on it or with the keyboard arrows.

Step 2 – Write the function

• Inside the selected cell write “=” to let the tool understand you want to insert a function;
• Start writing “ABS” and the tool will suggest the ABS function;
• Write the cell you want to convert from negative to positive;
• Press enter to confirm the function.

Option 2 – To multiply the number with -1

An easy way to convert a number from negative to positive is to multiply it with -1. To do that proceed as follows

Step 1 – Select in which cell you’ll write the function 

• Select the cell by clicking on it or with the keyboard arrows.

Step 2 – Write the function

• Inside the selected cell write “=” to let the tool understand you want to insert a function;
• Select the cell you want to convert to add it to the function;
• Write “*-1” after the selected cell;
• Press enter to confirm the function.