What is an absolute value?

The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line. It is always non-negative. For example, |−7| = 7 and |7| = 7.

What is the absolute value of zero?

The absolute value of zero is zero. |0| = 0, because zero is already at zero distance from itself.

Can I enter a decimal number?

Yes. The calculator accepts any real number including integers, positive and negative decimals such as −3.14 or 0.001.

Does absolute value change positive numbers?

No. If the number is already positive, its absolute value is the same number. Only negative numbers are flipped to positive.

How is absolute value used in distance problems?

The distance between two points a and b on a number line is |a − b|. Enter the difference into this tool to get the distance.

Can it solve absolute value equations like |x - 3| = 5?

No. It finds the absolute value of one number. To solve |x - 3| = 5 by hand, split it into x - 3 = 5 and x - 3 = -5, which gives x = 8 or x = -2. You can check both answers here, since |5| and |-5| are both 5.

Can I enter a fraction or an expression such as -3/4 or 2 - 7?

No. The box takes a single number in decimal form, such as -0.75, or scientific notation, such as -2.5e3. Work out the expression first: 2 - 7 = -5, and |-5| = 5. Type the minus sign with the hyphen key, because a pasted typographic minus sign is not accepted.

Absolute Value Calculator

Enter any real number and instantly get its absolute value with a visual number line.

The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero, so it is never negative: |-42| = 42, |3.14| = 3.14 and |0| = 0.

Enter a Number

Number

Result

Enter a number and click Calculate

Quick Examples

Quick answer

The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero, so it is never negative: |-42| = 42, |3.14| = 3.14 and |0| = 0. Type a number and click Calculate Absolute Value. The tool drops the minus sign and marks the number, zero and the result on a number line.

Examples

Number	Absolute value
-42	42
-3.14	3.14
0	0
100	100
-0.001	0.001
-2.5e3	2500

Type a number and click Calculate Absolute Value.

Summary

The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, always expressed as a non-negative value. For positive numbers and zero the result equals the input; for negative numbers the sign is removed. This calculator handles integers, decimals, and fractions expressed as decimals.

How it works

Type any real number into the input field.
The tool evaluates the number and removes any negative sign.
The absolute value result is shown instantly.
A visual number line marks both the original number and zero.
Click Copy to copy the result to your clipboard.

Use cases

Check homework answers involving absolute value expressions.
Find the distance between two points on a number line.
Verify error margins in engineering calculations.
Simplify expressions with |-x| before further algebra.
Teach or learn the concept of distance from zero.
Convert negative readings (temperature, profit/loss) to magnitudes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-04 · Reviewed by Nham Vu