---
title: Python Abs Function
---
`abs()` is a built-in function in Python 3, to compute the absolute value of any number. The absolute value of a number "means only how far a number is from 0" 1 It takes one argument `x`. The argument can even be a complex number, or a mathematical expression.
## Argument
It takes one argument `x` - either an integer, or decimal, or complex number, or any mathematical expression in general.
## Return Value
The return value would be a positive number or zero. Even if a complex number is passed, it would return its magnitude, computed as per complex number algebra.
+ A complex number is passed - It would return its modulus i.e., magnitude, computed as per complex number algebra.
+ A mathematical expression is passed - It would return its `|result|`, computed as per BODMAS rule.
## Code Sample
```python
print(abs(3.4)) # prints 3.4
print(abs(-6)) # prints 6
print(abs(3 + 4j)) # prints 5.0, because |3 + 4j| = 5
print(abs(3 + 4 - 6 * 3.4)) # prints 13.4, because |3 + 4 - (6 * 3.4)| = |3 + 4 - 20.4| = |-13.4| = 13.4
print(abs(3 - 4j - 3 - 4j)) # prints 8.0, because |(3 - 3) + (- 4j - 4j)| = 8.0
```
🚀 Run Code
Official Docs
### Sources
1. Math Is Fun. Accessed: October 25, 2017