PHP abs Function: How to Get Absolute Values

The abs() function in PHP gives you a number without its sign — it always returns a positive value. That means it always gives a non-negative result.

This function helps when you need to remove negative signs from numbers, especially in math or score calculations.

Understand the abs() function in PHP.

The abs() function gives you the positive form of a number, no matter if it’s negative or positive. It removes the minus sign, if any.

Here is the syntax:

abs(number)

• Parameter: A number (integer or float).
• Return value: The absolute (non-negative) value of the number.

You pass a number to abs() and it returns its positive value.

echo abs(-7);

Output:

7

-7 becomes 7 because abs() removes the minus sign. The positive numbers stay the same when passed to abs(). For example:

echo abs(4.5);

Output:

4.5

abs() in Conditional Logic and Math Operations

You can use if conditions to get absolute values. But abs() is a built-in function.

$number = -12;
echo $number < 0 ? -$number : $number;

Output:

12

We manually check if the number is negative and reverse it.

Combine abs() with Other Math Functions in PHP

You can use abs() with other math functions like round() and pow() for more complex tasks.

Round and abs:

echo abs(round(-3.6));

Output:

4

round(-3.6) becomes -4. abs() makes it 4.

Power and abs:

echo abs(pow(-2, 3));

Output:

8

pow(-2, 3) is -8. abs() changes it to 8.

Square Root and abs:

$val = -16;
echo sqrt(abs($val));

Output:

4

sqrt() needs a positive number. abs() makes -16 usable.

Examples of PHP abs() Function

Avoid negative outputs in calculations:

$balance = 50 - 80;
echo abs($balance);

Output:

30

abs() in PHP and calculate differences in scores:

$score1 = 85;
$score2 = 92;
echo abs($score1 - $score2);

Output:

7

It shows the gap between the two scores without a negative result.

Use abs() with arrays and loops:

$numbers = [-2, 4, -6, 3];
foreach ($numbers as $n) {
    echo abs($n) . " ";
}

Output:

2 4 6 3 

Here, the abs() function converts each number in the array to positive.

Wrapping Up

In this article, you learned how the abs() function in PHP works and why it matters in everyday coding.

Here is a quick recap:

• abs() returns the absolute (non-negative) value of a number.
• It works with integers, floats, variables, and expressions.
• It simplifies comparisons and prevents negative results.
• It combines well with math functions and loops.
• You can use it to clean user input.

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