MasterTool

Absolute Value Calculator

Calculate absolute value instantly in your browser.

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What this tool does

Calculate absolute value instantly in your browser. Absolute value drops the sign; it answers 'how far', never 'in which direction'.

How to use the Absolute Value Calculator

  1. Enter or select number x.
  2. Enter or select solve |x| = k (right-hand side).
  3. Read the calculated result; change any measurement to compare alternatives.

Formula

|x| is the distance from x to 0 on the number line, so it is never negative: |−8| = 8. The equation |x| = k has two solutions x = k and x = −k when k > 0, one when k = 0, and none when k < 0.
x
Number x
k
Solve |x| = k (right-hand side)

Absolute value drops the sign; it answers 'how far', never 'in which direction'.

Worked example

For absolute value calculator, the following measurements illustrate the exact method: Number x: -8; Solve |x| = k (right-hand side): 8.

Inputs

  • Number x-8
  • Solve |x| = k (right-hand side)8

Result

  • |-8|8
  • Solutions to |x| = 8x = 8 or x = -8
  • Distance from zero8

Results explained

|-8|
|-8| from the formula above. Absolute value drops the sign; it answers 'how far', never 'in which direction'.
Solutions to |x| = 8
Solutions to |x| = 8 from the formula above. Absolute value drops the sign; it answers 'how far', never 'in which direction'.
Distance from zero
Distance from zero from the formula above. Absolute value drops the sign; it answers 'how far', never 'in which direction'.

Frequently asked questions

|x| is the distance from x to 0 on the number line, so it is never negative: |−8| = 8. The equation |x| = k has two solutions x = k and x = −k when k > 0, one when k = 0, and none when k < 0.

Absolute value drops the sign; it answers 'how far', never 'in which direction'.

Where mathematically meaningful, yes. Fields specify permitted ranges and undefined operations display an error.

Exact integer calculations use safe integers; decimal calculations use browser floating point, so small rounding differences can occur.

All values remain in your browser and are never uploaded.