How to Turn Negative Numbers to Positive in Excel

If you are struggling with negative numbers while working on your excel spreadsheets, you are not alone. Often it is required to change negative numbers to positive values to make sense of data or undertake specific calculations. Thankfully, Microsoft Excel has an inbuilt function to solve this problem without having to manually change each negative number.

In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to turn negative numbers to positive in excel. Whether you are new to excel or have been using it for a while, this guide will be easy to follow, and you’ll be able to turn any negative numbers to positive values in no time.

Why Turn Negative Numbers to Positive in Excel?

Dealing with negative numbers while working on an excel spreadsheet can be frustrating, confusing, and at times even scary. Negative numbers tend to indicate a loss or deficit in business terms, and seeing a lot of these numbers in a calculation can be bad news for businesses or individuals. However, turning negative numbers to positive values can simplify the analysis and make it more straightforward.

Method 1: Using Paste Special to Turn Negative Numbers to Positive in Excel

The first method on our list to turn negative numbers to positive in Excel is to use the Paste Special function:

1. Select the range of cells you want to convert from negative to positive
2. Right-click on the selected cells and click on the ‘Copy’ option or use the keyboard shortcut (Ctrl + C)
3. Right-click in an empty cell and click on ‘Paste Special.’ You can also use the  keyboard shortcut key (Alt + E + S).
4. In the Paste Special dialog box that appears, select the ‘Values’ option.
5. Check the box next to the ‘Multiply’ option, and enter ‘-1’ in the blank box next to it. Click the ‘OK’ button, and all the negative values will turn into positive values.

Limitations of Method 1

The above method is an effective way to turn negative numbers into positive values in excel. However, it does have limitations. One, you need to create an extra column for positive values. Second, the method doesn’t work for formulas or functions, and you have to follow the same step for every calculation cell separately.

Method 2: Using the ABS Function to Turn Negative Numbers to Positive in Excel

The second method, ABS (Absolute) function, is a built-in function in Excel that can turn negative numbers into positive values quickly and efficiently. Here’s how to use this function:

1. Create a new column, and enter =ABS(Cell number whose values you want to convert to positive)
2. Copy the formula cell, and paste it to all the cells that you want to convert into positive values.

Limitations of Method 2

Using the ABS function ensures that you don’t have to create an extra column to convert negative numbers to positive. Additionally, it works on all cells and formulas without any glitches.

Wrap Up

These are the two most practical methods that one can use to convert negative values into positive values in Excel. Both methods are easy to use and efficient, and provide a permanent solution for negative values.

Additional Tips and Best Practices

Excel, no matter how easy it seems, can be tricky. Here are some additional tips and best practices to help you effectively manage your excel sheets.

• Always double-check your calculations: Mistakes in calculations can cause grave errors in both personal and professional settings, so always take the extra time to recheck your calculations.
• Avoid Using the plus (+) Sign: The plus sign is a quick shortcut to add two numbers together in Excel, but it can also cause errors due to the presence of negative numbers. Instead, use the SUM formula to avoid such limitations and errors.
• Manage your negative values: in cases where you can’t change negative values to positive, ensure that the negative values have a unique identifier for proper management, e.g., in accounting fields, negative values are traditionally shown in parentheses.

Final Thoughts

In summary, dealing with negative numbers in Excel can be challenging, but there are easy tricks to turn them into positive values. Both the Paste Special and ABS function methods can help you turn all your negative values to positive values easily and efficiently. Additionally, when working with Excel, ensure you follow best practices, and always double-check your calculations to avoid costly errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a compilation of some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to turning negative numbers to positive in Excel:

Can I turn negative values in a single cell to positive in Excel?

Yes, you can. Use the ABS function in the formula bar; for instance, enter =ABS(-10) in the formula bar to turn -10 into 10.

What is the difference between the two methods used for converting negative numbers to positive in Excel?

The first method-Paste Special involves creating an extra column for positive values while the second approach, ABS function eliminates the need for creating an additional column.

Is it possible to turn negative numbers to positive without keeping the original column?

It is possible to turn negative values into positives by using the ABS function in a new column and then copying the values into the original column.

Can converting negative numbers to positive affect other formulas?

It can if the negative numbers are used to create formulas. Simple addition and subtraction problems would remain unchanged, but any multiplication or division involving negative numbers could be affected.

Are there any keyboard shortcuts to turn negative numbers to positive in Excel?

Yes, there are. For example, you can use Alt + E + S+V to apply ‘Paste Special’ for turning negative values to positives in Excel sheets. CTRL+G and F5 to open the ‘Go To’ dialogue box and select the cells that require fixing in the worksheet.