How to use the Excel IMABS function

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)

Arguments

inumber - A complex number.

Version

Excel 2003

Usage notes

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 IMAB. Other values will result in the #NUM error.

Related functions

Excel 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.