> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.augelab.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.augelab.com/function-blocks/blocks-reference/data-logic/mathmetical-operations/absolute.md).

# Absolute

This function block returns the absolute value of a numeric input. It is useful whenever you need the magnitude of a number regardless of its sign (for example, distances, error magnitudes, or differences).

## 📥 Inputs <a href="#inputs" id="inputs"></a>

`Number` — A single numeric value (positive, negative, or zero).

## 📤 Outputs <a href="#outputs" id="outputs"></a>

`Number` — The absolute value of the input (non-negative).

## 🕹️ Controls <a href="#controls" id="controls"></a>

This function block has no interactive controls.

## ⚙️ Running mechanism <a href="#running-mechanism" id="running-mechanism"></a>

When the block runs, it reads the value provided on the `Number` input and outputs its magnitude on the `Number` output. If the input is negative, the output becomes its positive counterpart; otherwise the value is passed through unchanged.

## 🎯 Features <a href="#features" id="features"></a>

* Simple and deterministic: always produces a non-negative numeric result.
* Lightweight: suitable to use in real-time or low-latency setups.
* Safe to chain: works reliably with single numeric values or results from other mathematical blocks.

## 📝 Usage <a href="#usage" id="usage"></a>

* Connect any numeric-producing block (sensor readings, calculations, counters) to the `Number` input.
* Use the output value wherever you need a magnitude without sign (e.g., comparison, formatting, logging).

Common examples:

* Compute the absolute difference between two values by using the `Subtract` block followed by this block.
* Convert a signed error value into a magnitude for threshold checks or alerts.

## 💡 Tips and Tricks <a href="#tips-and-tricks" id="tips-and-tricks"></a>

* Combine with `Subtract` to get the magnitude of a difference (e.g., measurement vs. reference).
* Use together with `Greater` or `Smaller` to compare magnitudes against thresholds.
* Pipe the result into `Round` for human-friendly numeric displays or into `CSV Export` / `Data Write Global` for logging.
* For flows that produce lists or batches of numbers, consider `Batch Processing` / `Debatch` to handle values before applying the absolute block.

(hint: available related blocks you can combine with: `Add`, `Subtract`, `Multiply`, `Divide`, `Round`, `Square Root`, `Maximum`, `Minimum`, `Greater`, `Smaller`, `CSV Export`)

## 🛠️ Troubleshooting <a href="#troubleshooting" id="troubleshooting"></a>

* If the output is unexpected, check the upstream block to ensure it is sending a numeric value (not empty or None).
* Use `Is None` or `Data Type Converter` blocks upstream to validate or transform inputs into numeric form before applying the absolute operation.