5 Ways To Make Negative Numbers Positive In Excel

Negative numbers can be a real challenge when working with data in Excel. Whether you're dealing with financial losses, temperature readings, or other types of data, negative numbers can be a hassle to work with. Fortunately, there are several ways to make negative numbers positive in Excel, and we'll explore five of them in this article.

The Importance of Converting Negative Numbers

Before we dive into the methods, it's essential to understand why converting negative numbers to positive numbers is important. In many cases, negative numbers can cause errors or inconsistencies in your data, especially when performing calculations or creating charts. By converting negative numbers to positive numbers, you can ensure that your data is accurate and reliable.

Method 1: Using the ABS Function

The ABS function is a simple and effective way to convert negative numbers to positive numbers in Excel. The ABS function returns the absolute value of a number, which means it removes the negative sign and returns the positive equivalent.

To use the ABS function, follow these steps:

• Select the cell that contains the negative number you want to convert.
• Type "=ABS(" and select the cell that contains the negative number.
• Close the parenthesis and press Enter.

For example, if you have a negative number in cell A1, you can use the formula "=ABS(A1)" to convert it to a positive number.

Method 2: Using the Multiply by -1 Trick

Another way to convert negative numbers to positive numbers is by multiplying them by -1. This method is simple and effective, and it works because multiplying a negative number by -1 cancels out the negative sign.

To use this method, follow these steps:

• Select the cell that contains the negative number you want to convert.
• Type "=-" and select the cell that contains the negative number.
• Press Enter.

For example, if you have a negative number in cell A1, you can use the formula "=-A1" to convert it to a positive number.

Method 3: Using the IF Function

The IF function is a powerful tool in Excel that allows you to test a condition and return one value if the condition is true and another value if the condition is false. You can use the IF function to convert negative numbers to positive numbers by testing if the number is less than 0 and returning the absolute value if it is.

To use the IF function, follow these steps:

• Select the cell that contains the negative number you want to convert.
• Type "=IF(" and select the cell that contains the negative number.
• Type "<0" to test if the number is less than 0.
• Type ",ABS(" and select the cell that contains the negative number.
• Type ")" to close the parenthesis.
• Press Enter.

For example, if you have a negative number in cell A1, you can use the formula "=IF(A1<0,ABS(A1),A1)" to convert it to a positive number.

Method 4: Using VBA Macros

If you need to convert a large number of negative numbers to positive numbers, you can use a VBA macro to automate the process. VBA macros are a powerful tool in Excel that allows you to automate repetitive tasks.

To use a VBA macro, follow these steps:

• Press Alt+F11 to open the Visual Basic Editor.
• Click "Insert" and select "Module" to insert a new module.
• Type the following code:

Sub ConvertNegativeNumbers()
  Dim cell As Range
  For Each cell In Selection
    If cell.Value < 0 Then
      cell.Value = Abs(cell.Value)
    End If
  Next cell
End Sub

• Click "Run" to run the macro.

Method 5: Using Power Query

Power Query is a powerful tool in Excel that allows you to manipulate and transform data. You can use Power Query to convert negative numbers to positive numbers by using the "Absolute Value" function.

To use Power Query, follow these steps:

• Select the cell that contains the negative number you want to convert.
• Go to the "Data" tab and click "From Table/Range".
• Select the table that contains the negative number.
• Click "Add Column" and select "Absolute Value".
• Click "OK" to close the dialog box.

Gallery of Excel Functions

Excel Functions Image Gallery

Conclusion

Converting negative numbers to positive numbers is an essential task in Excel, and there are several ways to do it. Whether you use the ABS function, the multiply by -1 trick, the IF function, VBA macros, or Power Query, you can easily convert negative numbers to positive numbers and ensure that your data is accurate and reliable. We hope this article has helped you learn more about converting negative numbers to positive numbers in Excel.