Python abs() Function | Tutorial Reference

How to use Python's built-in abs() function to get the absolute value of integers, floats, and the magnitude of complex numbers with clear syntax and examples.

The abs() method returns the absolute value of a number.

abs() Syntax

abs(number)

abs() Parameters

Python abs() function parameters:

Parameter	Condition	Description
`number`	Required	Any number (integer, float or a complex number)

abs() Return Value

Python abs() method returns:

For integer numbers, the integer absolute value is returned
For floating numbers, the floating absolute value is returned
For complex numbers, the magnitude of the number is returned

Examples

Some examples of how to use abs() function with numbers and complex numbers.

x = -10
print(abs(x))

output

The number may be a floating point number:

x = -12.3
print(abs(x))

output

12.3

If the number is a complex number, the magnitude of the complex number is returned (i.e. the length of the vector representing the complex number in the complex plane)

x = 3 + 4j
print(abs(x))

output

5.0