Everyday Tools
Absolute Value Calculator
Find the absolute value (distance from zero) of any positive or negative number instantly.
Your results
Absolute value14.5
Calculation breakdown
- Absolute value
- |x| — the value of x with its sign removed
Worked example
The absolute value of -14.5 is 14.5.
Assumptions
- Positive numbers and zero are unchanged.
- Useful for measuring distance or error magnitude regardless of direction.
How this calculator works
This calculator returns the absolute value of a number — its distance from zero on the number line, ignoring sign. It also shows the difference between the entered number and its absolute value for context.
Frequently asked questions
What is absolute value?
It's the non-negative value of a number without regard to its sign, so both 5 and -5 have an absolute value of 5.
Does absolute value change positive numbers?
No, positive numbers and zero are unchanged since they are already non-negative.
Where is absolute value used?
It's commonly used to measure distance, error margins or differences where direction doesn't matter.
Related calculators
Rounding CalculatorRound a number to a chosen number of decimal places, or to the nearest 10, 100 or 1000, with standard rounding rules.Scientific Notation CalculatorConvert a number between standard decimal form and scientific notation, showing the exponent and coefficient clearly.Range CalculatorCalculate the statistical range — the difference between the highest and lowest of up to eight numbers.Percentage Difference CalculatorWork out the percentage difference between two numbers, useful for comparing prices, scores or measurements quickly.Exponent CalculatorRaise a base number to any power, including negative or fractional exponents, and see the result instantly.