Master the SIGN Function in Excel: Determine Number Polarity Instantly
=SIGN(number)The SIGN function is a fundamental Excel tool that determines the mathematical sign of any number, returning a simple numeric indicator of whether your value is positive, negative, or zero. This beginner-friendly function proves invaluable in business analytics, financial modeling, and data validation scenarios where you need to quickly classify numbers without complex conditional logic. Understanding the SIGN function opens doors to streamlined spreadsheet workflows. Rather than writing lengthy IF statements to check number polarity, SIGN delivers results in a single, elegant formula. Whether you're tracking profit margins, analyzing sales trends, or validating data entry, this function provides immediate numerical classification that integrates seamlessly with other Excel formulas. The SIGN function returns only three possible values: 1 for positive numbers, -1 for negative numbers, and 0 for zero itself. This simplicity makes it perfect for creating conditional logic chains, flagging data anomalies, or building sophisticated analytical models that depend on understanding number direction and magnitude relationships.
Syntax & Parameters
The SIGN function syntax is straightforward: =SIGN(number). The single required parameter 'number' accepts any numeric value, cell reference, or formula that returns a number. This parameter can be a direct value like 42, a cell reference like A1, or even a calculated expression like (B2-B1). When you execute the SIGN function, Excel evaluates your number parameter and returns one of three specific outcomes: the value 1 if your number is positive (greater than zero), the value -1 if your number is negative (less than zero), or the value 0 if your number equals exactly zero. This ternary output makes SIGN exceptionally useful for classification tasks without requiring nested IF statements. Practical tips for using SIGN effectively: Always ensure your parameter contains actual numeric data, not text that looks like numbers. The function ignores decimal places and only cares about sign direction—both 0.001 and 1000000 return 1. You can nest SIGN within other functions like ABS, IF, or SUMPRODUCT to create powerful analytical formulas. Remember that SIGN returns numeric values (1, -1, 0), making it perfect for mathematical operations and array formulas. For error handling, combine SIGN with ISNUMBER to validate data before processing.
numberPractical Examples
Sales Performance Analysis
=SIGN(B2-C2)This formula compares actual sales (B2) against target sales (C2). If actual exceeds target, SIGN returns 1. If actual is below target, it returns -1. If they're equal, it returns 0. This creates an instant visual indicator without complex nested conditions.
Profit Margin Classification
=SIGN(D2)*100&"% indicator"By multiplying SIGN's result by 100 and concatenating text, this creates readable classifications. Products with positive margins show '100% indicator' while negative margins show '-100% indicator'. This combines SIGN with text functions for user-friendly reporting.
Data Validation Flag System
=IF(SIGN(E2)=-1,"REVIEW NEEDED","OK")This formula uses SIGN within an IF statement to create a validation system. Any negative adjustment value triggers a 'REVIEW NEEDED' flag, while positive adjustments show 'OK'. This combines SIGN with IF for automated quality control.
Key Takeaways
- SIGN returns 1 for positive, -1 for negative, and 0 for zero—providing instant numeric classification without complex logic
- The function works with any numeric value regardless of magnitude, decimal places, or precision
- SIGN integrates seamlessly with IF, SUMPRODUCT, AGGREGATE, and other functions for advanced analytical formulas
- Use SIGN in data validation, financial analysis, and dashboard creation to automate classification and flagging processes
- SIGN is universally available across Excel versions 2007+, Google Sheets, and LibreOffice Calc for maximum portability
Pro Tips
Use SIGN to create automatic direction indicators in dashboards by multiplying it with conditional formatting colors—positive returns 1 (green), negative returns -1 (red), zero returns 0 (neutral).
Impact : Dramatically improves dashboard readability and enables stakeholders to instantly understand data direction without reading individual cell values
Combine SIGN with COUNTIF to build sophisticated data quality reports: =COUNTIF(A:A,SIGN(A1)&"*") counts cells matching the sign pattern of a reference cell.
Impact : Enables automated data validation and quality assurance workflows without manual inspection
Nest SIGN within ROUND and CHOOSE functions to create custom classifications: =CHOOSE(SIGN(A1)+2,"Negative","Zero","Positive") converts numeric signs to readable labels efficiently.
Impact : Creates elegant, maintainable formulas that are easier to understand and modify than nested IF statements
Use SIGN in array formulas with SUM to perform conditional calculations: =SUM(B1:B10*SIGN(A1:A10)) multiplies each B value by the sign of corresponding A value, effectively filtering calculations.
Impact : Enables complex multi-condition calculations in single formulas, reducing spreadsheet complexity and improving calculation speed
Useful Combinations
SIGN with SUMPRODUCT for Conditional Counting
=SUMPRODUCT((SIGN(A1:A10)=1)*1)This combination counts how many positive numbers exist in a range. SIGN converts each number to its polarity indicator, the comparison =1 creates TRUE/FALSE values, and SUMPRODUCT converts TRUE to 1 and FALSE to 0, then sums the results. Perfect for analyzing datasets with mixed positive and negative values.
SIGN with IF and ABS for Advanced Calculations
=IF(SIGN(A1)=-1,ABS(A1)*-1,ABS(A1))This formula normalizes number representation while preserving sign information. It ensures consistent formatting by using ABS to get magnitude and SIGN to determine whether the result should be positive or negative. Useful for standardizing financial data.
SIGN with AGGREGATE for Filtered Analysis
=AGGREGATE(9,5,IF(SIGN(B1:B100)=1,B1:B100))This array formula sums only positive values from a range using SIGN to filter. AGGREGATE function 9 means SUM, and option 5 ignores hidden rows. SIGN identifies positive numbers, IF filters them, and AGGREGATE processes the filtered results. Excellent for dynamic dashboards.
Common Errors
Cause: The parameter contains text that cannot be converted to a number, such as =SIGN("positive") or =SIGN(A1) where A1 contains text instead of numeric data.
Solution: Verify that your parameter contains only numeric values or cell references containing numbers. Use ISNUMBER() to validate data before applying SIGN. For text containing numbers, use VALUE() function first: =SIGN(VALUE(A1))
Cause: The function name is misspelled, such as =SGN(A1) or =SIGNS(A1), or the formula is entered in a version of Excel that doesn't support this function (extremely rare).
Solution: Check spelling carefully—the correct function name is exactly SIGN with no variations. Ensure you're using Excel 2007 or later. Copy the function name directly from Excel's function wizard if unsure.
Cause: The cell reference in the parameter points to a deleted column or row, such as =SIGN(A1) where column A was subsequently deleted, or the reference is invalid.
Solution: Verify all cell references are valid and point to existing cells. Use the Name Manager to check for broken references. Rebuild the formula with correct cell references if needed.
Troubleshooting Checklist
- 1.Verify the parameter is numeric or a cell reference containing a number—not text, dates, or logical values
- 2.Check that cell references are valid and haven't been deleted or moved—use the Name Manager to identify broken references
- 3.Confirm you're using Excel 2007 or later (SIGN is not available in Excel 2003 or earlier versions)
- 4.Test with a simple formula like =SIGN(5) to confirm the function works before troubleshooting complex nested formulas
- 5.Use ISNUMBER() to validate input data before passing it to SIGN: =IF(ISNUMBER(A1),SIGN(A1),"Invalid")
- 6.Check for hidden characters or spaces in cell values that might prevent proper numeric recognition
Edge Cases
Using SIGN with zero as the parameter: =SIGN(0)
Behavior: Returns exactly 0, not 1 or -1. Zero is treated as a distinct category separate from positive and negative numbers
This is correct behavior. If you need to treat zero differently, use IF: =IF(A1=0,"Special",SIGN(A1))
Using SIGN with very small decimal numbers approaching zero: =SIGN(0.00000001)
Behavior: Returns 1 because the number is positive, regardless of how close to zero it is. SIGN doesn't consider magnitude, only sign direction
If you need to identify numbers within a specific range, combine SIGN with ABS: =IF(ABS(A1)<0.0001,0,SIGN(A1))
Using SIGN with formula results that produce errors: =SIGN(A1/B1) where B1 is zero
Behavior: Returns #DIV/0! error because the division fails before SIGN can evaluate the result
Solution: Wrap in IFERROR: =IFERROR(SIGN(A1/B1),0) to handle division errors gracefully
Always validate denominator values before using SIGN with division operations
Limitations
- •SIGN only returns three possible values (-1, 0, 1), limiting its use to binary/ternary classification—it cannot provide nuanced magnitude information like ABS does
- •SIGN cannot directly distinguish between different positive numbers or different negative numbers; it treats all positive values identically and all negative values identically
- •SIGN requires numeric input and returns #VALUE! error with text, dates, or logical values—requiring additional validation functions for mixed-data scenarios
- •SIGN cannot be used in conditional formatting rules directly; you must create helper columns or use more complex formulas to apply conditional formatting based on SIGN results
Alternatives
Compatibility
✓ Excel
Since 2007
=SIGN(number) - Identical syntax and behavior across all versions from Excel 2007 through Excel 365✓Google Sheets
=SIGN(number) - Fully supported with identical functionality and return valuesGoogle Sheets implements SIGN identically to Excel, making formulas perfectly portable between platforms
✓LibreOffice
=SIGN(number) - Fully compatible with LibreOffice Calc and OpenOffice Calc