Summary

The Excel IMABS function returns the absolute value of a complex number in the form x + yi or x + yj. Use the COMPLEX function to create a complex number from real and imaginary parts.

Purpose 

Get absolute value of complex number

Return value 

Absolute value as number

Syntax

=IMABS(inumber)
  • inumber - A complex number.

How to use 

The Excel IMABS function returns the absolute value (modulus) of a complex number in a format like x + yi or x + yj. For example:

=IMABS("4+3i") // returns 5

In the example shown, the formula in C6, copied down, is:

=IMABS(B6)

Notes

  • Only lowercase "j" and "i" are accepted by IMABS. Other values will result in the #NUM error.

Related functions

Excel COMPLEX function

COMPLEX Function

The Excel COMPLEX function creates a complex number with given real and imaginary coefficients. COMPLEX returns a text result in the form x + yi or x + yj....
Excel IMREAL function

IMREAL Function

The Excel IMREAL function returns the real coefficient of a complex number in the form x + yi or x + yj.
Excel IMAGINARY function

IMAGINARY Function

The Excel IMAGINARY function returns the imaginary coefficient of a complex number given in the form x + yi or x + yj.
Dave Bruns Profile Picture

AuthorMicrosoft Most Valuable Professional Award

Dave Bruns

Hi - I'm Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.

Functions

Links