The ABS() function returns the absolute (non-negative) value of a numeric value, effectively removing any negative sign.
Syntax
ABS(number)
Definition and Usage
- The
ABS()function calculates the absolute value of a given number. - It always returns a positive value or zero, depending on the input.
Parameter Values
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
number |
Required. The numeric value to evaluate. |
Technical Details
- Works in: From MySQL 4.0
Examples
Example 1: Absolute value of a negative number
SELECT ABS(-243.5);
Result:
243.5
Example 2: Absolute value of a positive number
SELECT ABS(15);
Result:
15
Example 3: Absolute value of zero
SELECT ABS(0);
Result:
0
Example 4: Using ABS() in a query
Suppose we have a table Numbers:
| Value |
|---|
| -10 |
| 5 |
| -3.4 |
Query:
SELECT Value, ABS(Value) AS AbsoluteValue
FROM Numbers;
Result:
| Value | AbsoluteValue |
|---|---|
| -10 | 10 |
| 5 | 5 |
| -3.4 | 3.4 |
Usage Notes
- This function is particularly useful for mathematical calculations, ensuring all results are positive when needed.
- It can be used in conjunction with other mathematical functions for data processing and analysis.