abs() in Python - GeeksforGeeks

abs() in Python

Last Updated : 22 Sep, 2026

The abs() function in Python is used to return the absolute value of a number. It removes the negative sign from a number and returns its positive value.

Example: Find Absolute Value of a Number

Python 
num = -29
print(abs(num))

Output
29

Explanation: abs(-29) returns 29 by removing the negative sign.

Syntax

The abs() function has the following syntax:

abs(number)

  • Parameter: number - Specifies an integer, floating-point number, or complex number.
  • Return Value: Returns the positive value of the given number. For a complex number, it returns its magnitude.

Examples

Example 1: Find Absolute Value of an Integer

Python 
num = -94
res = abs(num)
print(res)

Output
94

Explanation:

  • num contains the integer -94.
  • abs(num) removes the negative sign.
  • The result is 94.

Example 2: Find Absolute Value of a Floating-Point Number

Python 
float_number = -54.26
print('Absolute value of float is:', 
                  abs(float_number))

Output: 

Absolute value of float is: 54.26

Explanation:

  • float_number contains the floating-point value -54.26.
  • abs(float_number) returns its positive value.
  • The result is 54.26.

Example 3: Find Absolute Value of a Complex Number

Python 
complex_number = (3 - 4j)
print('Absolute value or Magnitude of complex is:', abs(complex_number))

Output: 

Absolute value or Magnitude of complex is: 5.0

Explanation:

  • complex_number contains the complex number 3 - 4j.
  • abs(complex_number) calculates its magnitude.
  • The magnitude is 5.0.

Example 4: Calculate Speed, Distance and Time Using abs()

Formula used:  

  • Distance  = Speed * Time
  • Time = Distance / Speed
  • Speed = Distance / Time

The abs() function converts negative values into positive values before they are used in the calculations.

Python 
def cal_speed(dist, time):
    return dist / time

def cal_dis(speed, time):
    return speed * time

def cal_time(dist, speed):
    return dist / speed

print("Speed:", cal_speed(abs(45.9), abs(-2)))
print("Distance:", cal_dis(abs(-62.9), abs(2.5)))
print("Time:", cal_time(abs(48.0), abs(4.5)))

Output
Speed: 22.95
Distance: 157.25
Time: 10.666666666666666

Explanation:

  • abs(-2) converts -2 to 2.
  • abs(-62.9) converts -62.9 to 62.9.
  • The positive values are then used in the speed, distance, and time calculations.
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