Syntax
SIGN(number)
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| number | Parameter of the SIGN function. |
Examples
Check sign of profit
Formula
=SIGN(-250)
Returns -1. The number is negative, indicating a loss.
Positive value
Formula
=SIGN(1500)
Returns 1. Any positive number returns 1.
Zero value
Formula
=SIGN(0)
Returns 0. Zero is neither positive nor negative.
Common Errors
#VALUE!
Non-numeric input returns #VALUE!. SIGN only accepts numbers.
Tips
Conditional formatting alternative
Use SIGN in formulas instead of IF: =SIGN(A1)*B1 applies B1 positively or negatively based on A1's sign, without an IF statement.
Direction multiplier
SIGN is useful for physics or financial models: magnitude * SIGN(direction) applies the correct direction without branching logic.
Three-way indicator
Map SIGN output to labels: =CHOOSE(SIGN(A1)+2, "Loss", "Break-even", "Profit") converts -1/0/1 to meaningful text.
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