SIGN Function

The SIGN function is one of the math and trigonometry functions. It is used to return the sign of a number. If the number is positive, the function returns 1. If the number is negative, the function returns -1. If the number is 0, the function returns 0.

The SIGN function syntax is:

SIGN(x)

where x is a numeric value entered manually or included into the cell you make reference to.

To apply the SIGN function,

1. select the cell where you wish to display the result,
2. click the Insert function
   icon situated at the top toolbar,
   or right-click within a selected cell and select the Insert Function option from the menu,
   or click the
   icon situated at the formula bar,
3. select the Math and trigonometry function group from the list,
4. click the SIGN function,
5. enter the required argument,
6. press the Enter button.

The result will be displayed in the selected cell.

For example:

The required argument is A1, where A1 is 12. The number is positive, so the function returns 1.

If we change the A1 value from 12 to -12, the function returns -1: