sign

The sign() function returns the sign of its argument. It indicates whether its argument is positive, negative, or zero.

sign(number)

number.sign()

sign() accepts only numbers; it will not auto-convert Booleans or other data types.

Example Formulas

sign(-5) /* Output: -1 */

5.sign() /* Output: 1 */

sign(0) /* Output: 0 */

"-1".toNumber().sign() /* Output: -1 */

Example Database

The example database below lists bank account balances. The sign() function is used to determine the output of the Status property.

View and Duplicate Database

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“Balance” Property Formula

ifs(
	sign(
		prop("Balance")
	) == -1,
	"🔴 Negative Balance!",
	sign(
		prop("Balance")
	) == 0,
	"🟡 $0 Balance",
	"🟢 Balance OK"
)

/* Explained */
ifs(

	/* Check if the sign value of Balance is -1 */
	sign(
		prop("Balance")
	) == -1,

	/* If so, display the following */
	"🔴 Negative Balance!",

	/* If not, check is the sign value of Balance is 0 */
	sign(
		prop("Balance")
	) == 0,

	/* If so, display the following */
	"🟡 $0 Balance",

	/* If not, display the following */
	"🟢 Balance OK"
)

This simple formula uses an ifs to return one of three status messages. The output is determined by the sign() function’s output.

Good to know: You can also use comparison operators such as larger and smaller to accomplish the same thing.
E.g. prop("Balance") < 0.

Other formula components used in this example:

if – Thomas Frank

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equal – Thomas Frank

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