SQL ABS()

The ABS() function in SQL returns the absolute value of a given number. That means, it effectively converts negative numbers to positive numbers, and leaves positive numbers unchanged.

Syntax

SELECT ABS(number)
FROM table_name;

Copy to clipboard
Copy to clipboard

Example

In this example, the following data is given in the transactions table:

The ABS() function is used to calculate the absolute temperature value:

SELECT temperature_id, ABS(temperature) AS absolute_temp
FROM transactions;

Copy to clipboard
Copy to clipboard

The output will be:

Note: ABS() is compatible with various SQL database systems such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQL Server.