Returns the absolute value of a number as the same data type that you pass in.
Syntax
Abs(number)
The required number argument can be any valid numeric expression. If number contains Null, Null is returned. If it's an uninitialized variable, zero is returned.
Remarks
The absolute value of a number is its unsigned magnitude. For example, Abs(-1) and Abs(1) both return 1.
Query examples
| Expression | Results |
|---|---|
SELECT Abs([Discount]) AS Expr1 FROM ProductSales; |
Returns the absolute values of the Discount field from the ProductSales table in the Expr1 column. It converts negative values to positive values and leaves positive values unchanged. |
SELECT Abs([Discount]/[SalePrice]) AS DiscountPercent FROM ProductSales; |
Calculates each value in the Discount field as a percentage of the SalePrice field and displays it in the DiscountPercent column. |
VBA example
Note
Examples that follow demonstrate the use of this function in a Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) module. For more information about working with VBA, select Developer Reference in the drop-down list next to Search and enter one or more terms in the search box.
This example uses the Abs function to compute the absolute value of a number.
Dim MyNumber
MyNumber = Abs(50.3) ' Returns 50.3.
MyNumber = Abs(-50.3) ' Returns 50.3.