SIGN Function in Excel: Syntax, Examples and Free Practice

By Rinkesh Shah, founder of Cellgrids.

SIGN is an Excel Math & Trig function. Returns 1, 0, or -1 depending on whether a number is positive, zero, or negative.

SIGN syntax

=SIGN(number)

SIGN is used in financial models and engineering-style calculations where precise numeric work is needed.

Open the live Excel-style spreadsheet and try SIGN yourself. No Excel install or sign-up needed to start.

What does the SIGN function do in Excel?

Returns 1, 0, or -1 depending on whether a number is positive, zero, or negative.

What is the syntax of SIGN in Excel?

The syntax is =SIGN(number). number: A number to use in the calculation.

Where can I practice SIGN online for free?

Open the free live spreadsheet on Cellgrids and try SIGN yourself. No Excel install is needed and you can start without signing up.