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SIGN Function
Summary
The Excel SIGN function determines the sign of a number, returning 1 for positive values, 0 for zero, and -1 for negative values. It's a simple yet powerful tool for mathematical analysis and conditional logic.
Syntax
SIGN(number)Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| number | Number |
Yes | The numeric value whose sign will be determined |
Using the SIGN Function
SIGN is perfect for scenarios requiring directionality analysis, such as identifying trends, creating conditional formatting rules, or building mathematical models that depend on value polarity.
Common SIGN Examples
Basic Sign Detection
=SIGN(15)Returns 1 since 15 is positive
Zero Detection
=SIGN(6-6)Returns 0 for exactly zero result
Negative Value Check
=SIGN(-3.14)Returns -1 for negative numbers
Dynamic Calculation
=SIGN(A1-B1)Determines if A1 exceeds B1 (1), equals B1 (0), or less than B1 (-1)
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Errors and Solutions
#VALUE! error
Cause: Non-numeric input provided
Solution: Ensure the number argument contains only numeric values
Unexpected results with very small numbers
Cause: Floating point precision issues
Solution: Use exact comparisons or add small tolerance when needed
Notes
- Works with positive infinity (+1) and negative infinity (-1)
- Compatible with all Excel number formats
- Very fast execution even in large arrays
- Frequently used in combination with ABS for magnitude analysis
Compatibility
Available in: Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365
Not available in:
Content last reviewed: December 9, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2007+