ABS Function

ABS(numeric-expression)

Returns the absolute value of a numeric expression. Negative values are converted to positive; positive values remain unchanged.

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How to read it

• For integers: ABS(-5) becomes 5.
• For reals: ABS(-3.14) becomes 3.14.
• Zero always remains 0.

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Examples

PRINT ABS(-42)

This example produces 42.

A# = -12.5
PRINT ABS(A#)

This example produces 12.5.

REM Using ABS in a loop to ensure non-negative distances
FOR x = -5 TO 5
    PRINT "Distance: "; ABS(x)
NEXT

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Notes

• Works with both integers and reals.
• Has no effect on 0.
• Useful in algorithms where only magnitudes matter (e.g. distances, error values).

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See also: SGN · INT · SQR