ABS Function - SQL


Overview


The ABS function in SQL returns the absolute value of a numeric expression. It is useful for ensuring that the result is always non-negative.

Example:

SELECT ABS(-10)

Syntax:

SELECT ABS(numeric_expression)

numeric_expression is the numeric value for which you want to find the absolute value.

Sample Data:

first_name vacation_days
Frank 5
Jane 2
Ashley 3
Glenn -3
Kelly 2
Richard -7
George 2
Kyle 1
James -2
Gustavo -10

Example: Hard-coded value


In this example, we are returning the absolute value of -10 with the final output being 10.


Example: Query without the WHERE Statement


In this example, we are returning the absolute value of the vacation_days column in the company.employees table.


Example: Query with the WHERE Statement


In this example, we are returning the absolute value of the vacation_days column in the company.employees table where the first_name equals ‘Glenn.’