abs() function in SQL

The abs() function in SQL is used to return the absolute value of a given number. The absolute value of a number is the value of the number without considering its sign. Therefore, abs(-10) is 10, and similarly, abs(10) is 10. This function is particularly useful in data analysis for normalizing values and ensuring consistency in the data’s magnitude, regardless of its direction.

You can try out the abs() function even without a table:

SELECT abs(-10)

Syntax

The syntax for using the abs() function is as follows:

SELECT abs(amount_usd)
FROM transactions

In this syntax, amount_usd is the column name from which you want to get the absolute value.

Using abs() as a filter

The abs() function can also be useful in filtering records based on the absolute value of a column. For instance, to find all transactions where the absolute value of the balance change exceeds 100:

SELECT *
FROM transactions
WHERE
  abs(amount_usd) > 100

Applications of the abs() function in SQL

The abs() function is instrumental in normalizing data, especially in scenarios where the direction of a number is irrelevant, and only its magnitude matters.