How to Convert Negative Numbers to Positive in Google Sheets Using ABS

When working with bank account statements, expense ledgers, discrepancy audits, or imported CSV datasets in Google Sheets, values frequently arrive formatted as negative figures (e.g. -250.00) to indicate debits or outflows. However, when building dashboard summaries, variance metrics, or comparative charts, you often require those figures expressed as clean positive values.

Google Sheets provides multiple mathematical tools to convert negative numbers into positive values, ranging from simple absolute value formulas to automated column-wide array wrappers.

Method 1: Use the ABS Function for Individual Cells

The mathematical function for absolute value is ABS. The absolute value of any number represents its positive distance from zero, meaning positive numbers remain positive, while negative numbers are stripped of their minus sign:

1. Assuming your negative value is in cell A2, click into an adjacent helper column (such as cell B2).
2. Enter the following formula:

=ABS(A2)

3. Press Enter. If cell A2 contained -150, cell B2 will display 150.
4. Drag the small blue fill handle in the bottom-right corner of cell B2 down to apply the formula across the rest of your dataset.

Method 2: Convert an Entire Column Dynamically with ARRAYFORMULA

Rather than manually dragging formulas down hundreds of rows, you can process an entire column with a single array formula placed in the header row:

1. In cell B2, enter the following formula:

=ARRAYFORMULA(IF(ISBLANK(A2:A), "", ABS(A2:A)))

This dynamic formula automatically evaluates every entry in Column A, outputs positive values down Column B, and leaves blank cells empty without cluttering your spreadsheet with zeroes.

Method 3: In-Place Conversion Using Paste Special (Multiply by -1)

If you need to convert negative values directly in their original cells without creating extra helper columns:

1. Click into any empty cell, type -1, and press Enter.
2. Select that cell and press Ctrl + C on Windows or Command + C on Mac to copy it.
3. Highlight the range of negative numbers you want to flip to positive.
4. Right-click the highlighted range and navigate to Paste special > Multiply.
5. Delete the temporary cell holding -1.

Multiplying negative values by negative one flips their sign to positive instantaneously while preserving your original sheet layout and formulas.