totn Excel Functions

MS Excel: How to use the SIGN Function (WS)

This Excel tutorial explains how to use the Excel SIGN function with syntax and examples.

Description

The Microsoft Excel SIGN function returns the sign of a number. If the number is positive, the SIGN function will return 1. If the number is negative, the SIGN function will return -1. If the number is 0, the SIGN function will return 0.

The SIGN function is a built-in function in Excel that is categorized as a Math/Trig Function. It can be used as a worksheet function (WS) in Excel. As a worksheet function, the SIGN function can be entered as part of a formula in a cell of a worksheet.

Syntax

The syntax for the SIGN function in Microsoft Excel is:

SIGN( number )

Parameters or Arguments

number
The number that you wish to return the sign for.

Returns

If number is greater than zero, the SIGN function will return 1.
If number is equal to zero, the SIGN function will return 0.
If number is less than zero, the SIGN function will return -1.

Applies To

  • Excel for Office 365, Excel 2019, Excel 2016, Excel 2013, Excel 2011 for Mac, Excel 2010, Excel 2007, Excel 2003, Excel XP, Excel 2000

Type of Function

  • Worksheet function (WS)

Example (as Worksheet Function)

Let's look at some Excel SIGN function examples and explore how to use the SIGN function as a worksheet function in Microsoft Excel:

Microsoft Excel

Based on the Excel spreadsheet above, the following SIGN examples would return:

=SIGN(A1)
Result: 1

=SIGN(A2)
Result: 0

=SIGN(A3)
Result: -1

=SIGN(0)
Result: 0

=SIGN(2012)
Result: 1

=SIGN(-2012)
Result: -1