Absolute Value Calculator

About this tool

What Is absolute value? Absolute Value Calculator. The absolute value calculator returns the non-negative distance of a number from zero. Whether the input is −12 or 12, the result is 12, because absolute value describes magnitude, not direction. For any real number x, the absolute value |x| is x itself when x is non-negative, and −x when x is negative. Geometrically it is the distance between x and 0 on the number line. Absolute value appears everywhere: in distance and error formulas, in defining intervals, and when solving equations such as |x − 3| = 5. |x| = x for x ≥ 0, |x| = −x for x < 0. How to Use Type any real number, including negatives and decimals, into the field. Read the absolute value, the original input, and the distance from zero. Use the copy button to reuse the result in your work. Worked Example Enter −7.5. The tool computes |−7.5| = 7.5 and shows that this is the distance from 0 to −7.5 on the number line. Entering 3 gives 3 immediately. Common Use Cases error and tolerance calculations distance and absolute difference problems pre-algebra and algebra practice physics displacement magnitudes Important Notes The result is never negative. Absolute value works the same way for decimals and fractions. Calculations run locally in your browser — no data leaves your device. Related Tools Linear Equation Solver Number Base Converter Distance Calculator