abs

returns the absolute value of a number.

# Metadata

Platforms: desktop, server, mobile OS: mac, windows, linux, ios, android Introduced: 1.0 Security:

# Syntax

the abs of number

# Params

- number : A positive or negative number, or any expression that evaluates to a number.

# Examples

abs(14)

the abs of -14

abs(firstNum - secondNum)

abs(secondNum - firstNum)

# Description

Use the abs function if you need to know the magnitude of the number and are not concerned about whether it is negative or not.

The absolute value of a number is that number's distance from zero. If the number is positive, its absolute value is just the number; if the number is negative, its absolute value is the negative of the number. Because of this, the absolute value of a number is always positive.

# Tags

math,

# See

- **control structure:** function - **glossary:** negative, return - **function:** trunc, round