Common questions about SIGN usually involve formula errors, syntax hints, and unexpected results; this FAQ includes 3 common questions.
FAQ
What should I do if the SIGN function shows an error?
- Check whether the formula starts with
=. - Make sure the parentheses are complete and the formula syntax is correct.
- Confirm that the referenced cell contains a numeric value or a value that can be calculated as a number.
- Re-enter
SIGN(and use the syntax hint to correct the formula.
How can I view the SIGN function syntax in WPS?
- Select the target cell.
- Type
=SIGN(. - Review the syntax hint and parameter guidance that appears.
- Finish the formula with a sample value and check the result.
Why is the SIGN result not what I expected?
- Check whether the referenced cell contains a number stored as text.
- Confirm that the formula points to the correct cell and not to a blank or unintended location.
- If the source data changed, review whether the displayed result has updated.
- Test with direct values such as
=SIGN(-1),=SIGN(0), and=SIGN(8).
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| SIGN | A spreadsheet function that returns 1 for a positive number, 0 for zero, and -1 for a negative number. |
| Formula bar | The area used to enter and edit formulas in a worksheet. |
| Worksheet reference | A way to use values from another cell or worksheet in a formula. |