6 Ways to Convert Negative Numbers to Positive in Google Sheets

Have you ever faced the challenge of dealing with negative numbers in Google Sheets? Negative numbers can sometimes appear in the wrong place, posing serious challenges to your analysis. But don’t worry, there are several simple tricks you can use to convert those negative numbers to positive. In this article, we will explore six easy methods to help you solve this problem and make your analysis a breeze.

Convert Negative to Positive with Find and Replace

One clever way to convert negative numbers to positive in Google Sheets is by using the Find and Replace feature. This built-in feature allows you to remove any minus signs in your data. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the Find and Replace feature from the Edit menu or by pressing Ctrl + H.
2. In the Find field, enter the minus sign (-).
3. Leave the Replace with field blank.
4. Select the range of cells you want to convert.
5. Click on Replace all.

By following these steps, the negative signs will be removed from your selected cells. Keep in mind that this method changes the data type of the cells to text, so make sure to convert them back to numbers if needed.

Convert Negative to Positive by Multiplication

Another simple method to convert negative numbers to positive is by using multiplication. The multiplication of a negative number by -1 returns a positive number. You can use the following formulas in an empty cell:

=MULTIPLY(B2, -1)

or

=B2 * -1

Just copy and paste either formula into an empty cell, and you will see the negative number converted to a positive one. However, keep in mind that this method will also convert positive numbers into negative numbers.

Change Negative to Positive with the UMINUS Function

The UMINUS function is another useful tool to convert negative numbers to positive and vice versa. It works in the same way as the multiplication method. Here’s how to use it:

=UMINUS(value)

In the above formula, replace value with the content or cell whose sign you want to change. For example, you can use:

=UMINUS(B2)

Just like the multiplication method, the UMINUS function can also turn positive numbers into negative numbers.

Convert Negative to Positive with the ABS Function

The ABS function is specifically designed to return the absolute value of a number. The absolute value is the magnitude of a number, regardless of its sign. To use the ABS function, follow these steps:

=ABS(value)

Replace value with the cell or number you want to convert. For example:

=ABS(B2)

The ABS function ignores the sign of the number and returns the positive value. Unlike the previous methods, it doesn’t have the drawback of converting positive numbers into negative numbers or changing the data type of the cells.

Convert Negative Numbers to Positive with the Power Tools Add-on

If you’re looking for a convenient way to convert negative numbers to positive in Google Sheets, consider using the Power Tools add-on. This add-on provides quick access to various commands that simplify common tasks. Follow these steps to install and use the Power Tools add-on:

1. Click on the Extensions menu, then select Add-ons and choose Get add-ons.
2. Search for Power Tools in the Google Workspace Marketplace and install it.
3. Once installed, go to the Extensions menu and select Power Tools, then click on Start.
4. Select the cells you want to convert and click on Convert.
5. Uncheck the Convert text to numbers and Convert text to dates options, and check the Convert number sign option.
6. Click on Run.

The Power Tools add-on will remove the negative signs from the selected cells without creating new columns or changing the data type.

Convert Negative Number to Positive with an Apps Script

If you’re comfortable with coding, you can use an Apps Script to convert negative numbers to positive. Follow these steps:

1. Copy and paste the following script to your script editor:

function convertAbsolute() {
  var selectedRange = SpreadsheetApp.getActive().getActiveRange();
  var selectedValues = selectedRange.getValues();
  var selectedColumns = selectedRange.getWidth();
  var selectedRows = selectedRange.getHeight();

  for (i = 0; i < selectedRows; i++) {
    for (j = 0; j < selectedColumns; j++) {
      selectedRange.getCell(i + 1, j + 1).setValue(Math.abs(selectedValues[i][j]));
    }
  }
}

function onOpen() {
  var ui = SpreadsheetApp.getUi();
  ui.createMenu('Convert')
    .addItem('Convert to Absolute Value', 'convertAbsolute')
    .addToUi();
}

2. Click on Save, then refresh your spreadsheet.
3. The script will create a new menu item named Convert in the Extensions menu.
4. Select the cells you want to work with, go to the Convert menu, and choose Convert to Absolute Value.
5. The script will convert the selected numbers to their absolute values without creating a new column or formula.

Conclusions

Dealing with negative numbers in Google Sheets can be a challenge, but with these six methods, you can easily convert them to positive. Whether you choose the ABS function, Find and Replace, Power Tools add-on, or Apps Script, you’ll be able to eliminate negative numbers in your data. Just remember that methods like multiplication and UMINUS may convert positive numbers into negative numbers, so use them with caution. If you have any other methods to convert negative numbers to positive, feel free to share them in the comments below!

To learn more about Google Sheets and other useful tips and tricks, visit Mr Reviews. Happy converting!