Intro
Negative numbers can be a nuisance in Excel, especially when you need to perform calculations or create charts. Fortunately, there are several ways to convert negative numbers to positive numbers in Excel. In this article, we will explore five methods to make negative numbers positive in Excel.
Understanding Negative Numbers in Excel
Before we dive into the methods, it's essential to understand how negative numbers work in Excel. A negative number in Excel is represented by a minus sign (-) followed by the number. For example, -10 is a negative number. Negative numbers can be used in various calculations, such as subtraction and multiplication.
Method 1: Using the ABS Function
The ABS function is a built-in function in Excel that returns the absolute value of a number. The absolute value of a number is its value without the negative sign. To use the ABS function, follow these steps:
- Select the cell where you want to display the positive number.
- Type "=ABS(" and select the cell that contains the negative number.
- Close the parentheses and press Enter.
For example, if you have a negative number in cell A1, you can use the ABS function to convert it to a positive number in cell B1 by typing "=ABS(A1)".
Example:
| Negative Number | Positive Number |
|---|---|
| -10 | =ABS(A1) = 10 |
Method 2: Using the Multiply by -1 Method
Another way to convert a negative number to a positive number is by multiplying it by -1. This method is simple and straightforward. To use this method, follow these steps:
- Select the cell where you want to display the positive number.
- 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 multiply by -1 method to convert it to a positive number in cell B1 by typing "=-A1".
Example:
| Negative Number | Positive Number |
|---|---|
| -10 | =-A1 = 10 |
Method 3: Using the IF Function
The IF function is a powerful function 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. To use the IF function to convert a negative number to a positive number, follow these steps:
- Select the cell where you want to display the positive number.
- Type "=IF(" and select the cell that contains the negative number.
- Type ">0," and then type the positive number you want to return if the condition is true.
- Type "," and then type the negative number.
- Close the parentheses and press Enter.
For example, if you have a negative number in cell A1, you can use the IF function to convert it to a positive number in cell B1 by typing "=IF(A1>0,A1,-A1)".
Example:
| Negative Number | Positive Number |
|---|---|
| -10 | =IF(A1>0,A1,-A1) = 10 |
Method 4: Using VBA Macro
If you need to convert a large number of negative numbers to positive numbers, you can use a VBA macro to automate the process. To create a VBA macro, follow these steps:
- Open the Visual Basic Editor by pressing Alt+F11 or by navigating to Developer > Visual Basic.
- In the Visual Basic Editor, click Insert > Module to insert a new module.
- Type the following code:
Sub ConvertToPositive() Range("A1").Value = Abs(Range("A1").Value) End Sub - Click Run > Run Sub/UserForm to run the macro.
This macro will convert the negative number in cell A1 to a positive number.
Example:
| Negative Number | Positive Number |
|---|---|
| -10 | Sub ConvertToPositive() Range("A1").Value = Abs(Range("A1").Value) End Sub = 10 |
Method 5: Using Power Query
Power Query is a powerful data manipulation tool in Excel that allows you to transform and clean your data. To use Power Query to convert a negative number to a positive number, follow these steps:
- Select the cell where you want to display the positive number.
- Go to Data > New Query > From Other Sources > Blank Query.
- In the Power Query Editor, type the following code:
= Table.TransformColumns(#"Previous Step", {"Column1", each Abs(_)}) - Click Load & Close to load the data into Excel.
This will convert the negative number in the selected column to a positive number.
Example:
| Negative Number | Positive Number |
|---|---|
| -10 | = Table.TransformColumns(#"Previous Step", {"Column1", each Abs(_)}) = 10 |
Excel Negative Numbers Image Gallery
We hope this article has helped you learn how to convert negative numbers to positive numbers in Excel. Whether you use the ABS function, multiply by -1 method, IF function, VBA macro, or Power Query, you can easily make negative numbers positive in Excel. Do you have any questions or comments? Please leave them in the section below.