Robert Johns | 10 Feb, 2025
Fact checked by Jim Markus

Python abs() Function | Docs With Examples

The Python abs() function is a built-in utility that returns the absolute value of a number in your Python programs.

It is commonly used in mathematical operations, comparisons, and real-world applications like distance calculations in Python.

Basic Syntax

The abs() function is very simple to use:

abs(number)
  • number: The numeric value whose absolute value is to be returned. This can be an integer, floating-point number, or a complex number.

Common Examples

1. Absolute Value of an Integer

print(abs(-10))

Output:

10

Explanation: The absolute value of -10 is 10, as abs() removes the negative sign.

2. Absolute Value of a Float

print(abs(-3.14))

Explanation: The absolute value of -3.14 is 3.14, ensuring it remains positive.

Output:

3.14

3. Absolute Value of a Complex Number

For complex numbers, abs() returns the magnitude:

print(abs(3 + 4j))

Explanation: The magnitude of a complex number is calculated using the formula:

|a + bj| = sqrt(a² + b²)

For 3 + 4j, we get:

sqrt(3² + 4²) = sqrt(9 + 16) = sqrt(25) = 5

Output:

5.0

Common Use Cases

1. Calculating Distance

x1, x2 = 5, -3
distance = abs(x1 - x2)
print(distance)

Explanation: The absolute difference between two points 5 and -3 gives a distance of 8.

Output:

8

2. Handling Negative Values in Finance

balance_changes = [-50, 100, -30]
positive_changes = [abs(change) for change in balance_changes]
print(positive_changes)

Explanation: This converts all negative balance changes into positive values for easier calculations.

Output:

[50, 100, 30]

3. Sorting by Absolute Value

numbers = [-10, 5, -2, -8, 3]
numbers_sorted = sorted(numbers, key=abs)
print(numbers_sorted)

Explanation: Sorting the list by absolute values results in an order that ignores negative signs.

Output:

[0, -2, 3, -5, -8, -10]

Key Takeaways

  • abs() returns the absolute value of an integer or float in your Python projects.
  • For complex numbers, abs() returns the magnitude.
  • It is useful in distance calculations, handling negative values, and sorting.

Practice Exercise

Here's a simple challenge, write a Python program that takes a list of numbers and prints their absolute values in your Python editor.

numbers = [-7, -3.5, 0, 2, 9.8]
absolute_values = [abs(num) for num in numbers]
print(absolute_values)

Wrapping Up

The abs() function is a fundamental tool in Python that simplifies working with numbers by ensuring all values are positive when needed. Understanding how it works with integers, floats, and complex numbers can help you solve mathematical and real-world problems more efficiently. Happy coding!

By Robert Johns

Technical Editor for Hackr.io | 15+ Years in Python, Java, SQL, C++, C#, JavaScript, Ruby, PHP, .NET, MATLAB, HTML & CSS, and more... 10+ Years in Networking, Cloud, APIs, Linux | 5+ Years in Data Science | 2x PhDs in Structural & Blast Engineering

View all post by the author

Subscribe to our Newsletter for Articles, News, & Jobs.

I accept the Terms and Conditions.

Disclosure: Hackr.io is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

In this article

Learn More

Please login to leave comments