numeric

ABS()

Returns the absolute (non-negative) value of a number.

Description

ABS returns the absolute value of a number: its distance from zero, always non-negative. Negative numbers become positive; positive numbers and zero stay the same. It's useful for measuring magnitude regardless of direction, like the size of a budget variance.

Syntax

ABS(expression)

Parameters

Name	Description	Optional
expression	A numeric column or expression.	No

Return Type

Returns the same numeric type as the input (INT stays INT, DOUBLE stays DOUBLE).

Examples

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Use it for differences

ABS(a - b) gives the size of the gap between two values without caring which is larger.

Common Mistakes

Expecting a sign. ABS always returns a non-negative number; it doesn't tell you the original direction.
Applying to text. It needs a number; passing a string errors or coerces unexpectedly.