ABS
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What is ABS?
The ABS() function in SQL returns the absolute value of a given numeric expression, meaning it converts any negative number to its positive equivalent while leaving positive numbers unchanged. This function is useful when you need to ensure that the result of a calculation or a value stored in a database column is non-negative, such as when calculating distances, differences, or other metrics where only positive values make sense. For example, SELECT ABS(-5) would return 5.
Free resources to learn ABS
- ArticleHow to compute an absolute value in SQL
- ArticleABS
More in stage 9: Advanced Functions
ABS: common questions
Can I learn ABS in Hindi?
This lesson is written in English. Once you sign in, open it in the interactive course and ask the AI tutor to explain ABS in Hindi or Hinglish. The tutor answers from this lesson’s own text, so it stays on the syllabus, and it runs on your own Google, OpenAI or Anthropic key.
Is this ABS tutorial for beginners?
It is lesson 53 of 112 in the free SQL roadmap, in stage 9, Advanced Functions. If you are new to SQL, start from stage 1 and come back here in order; if you already know the earlier stages, this lesson stands on its own.