cell formula

[Pam]

I have a spreadsheet that has thousands of negative
numbers, one in each cell, they are just whole negative
numbers. How do I create a formula and copy it down, cell
by cell, to change the negative number to a positive
number. The formula would have to include *-1. I can
change it cell by cell, but I would be here for years
doing this. What, if any, would be your suggestion?

 

[Biff]

Hi Pam,

You can use the ABS function for that:

=ABS(A1)

Returns the absolute valve of a number. What did you mean
by 'The formula would have to include *-1' ?

Biff

 

[Pam]

I was taking each cell and multiplying it by -1, to make
it a positive number, but you can't carry that down. I
tried the =ABS but all it did was carry down the positive
number in the cell proir, changing the number in the cell
after. I don't want to change the number, but I need it
to be positive.

 

[Biff]

Hi Pam,

Use Thomas' solution, It's much easier. If your negative
numbers were in A1:A15000, in B1 you could have entered
either:

=A1*-1
=ABS(A1)

and then double clicked the fill handle. The formula(e)
would have automatically copied down to B15000 and the
cell references would also have changed automatically.

Biff