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Quick and Easy Excel Tips and Tutorials

How to Use the SIGN function to check for the sign of a number

Excel provides the SIGN function to check the sign of a number. This function returns 1 if the number is positive, 0 if the number is 0, and -1 if the number is negative. If the user enters text instead of a number, the SIGN function returns the error code #VALUE!.

SIGN(number)
number: Any real number.

To check for the sign of a number:

  1. In cells A2:A10 list numbers or text.
  2. Select cells B2:B10 and type the following formula: =IF(ISERROR(SIGN(A2)),”",SIGN(A2)).
  3. Press Ctrl+Enter.

How to Use the SIGN function to check for the sign of a number

The same result for numeric values can also be generated by combining IF functions. Use this formula:
=IF(A1>0;1;IF(A2<0;-1;0)).

This tip is compatible with Excel 97, 2000, 2003 and 2007.

How to Use the SIGN function to check for the sign of a number
  1. How to check for invalid values using the TYPE function in Excel
  2. How to Check for Valid Numbers Using the T Function in Excel
  3. Using the OR function to check cells for text or numbers in Excel
  4. Use the ISEVEN and ISODD functions to check if a number is even or odd
  5. How to check for future dates using TODAY Function in Excel

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