SQL Server SIGN() Function

The SIGN() function in SQL Server returns the sign of a given number, i.e., 1 for positive numbers, -1 for negative numbers, and 0 for zero.

Syntax

SIGN ( numeric_expression )

The numeric_expression is the number expression for which the sign needs to be calculated.

Usage

The SIGN() function can be used in situations where it is necessary to check whether a number is positive, negative, or zero. It can also be used to check the sign of a given number before performing mathematical calculations.

Examples

Example 1

The following example shows the sign of -50, 0, and 50.

SELECT SIGN(-50) AS Negative,
       SIGN(0) AS Zero,
       SIGN(50) AS Positive;

Result:

Negative	Zero	Positive
-1	0	1

Example 2

The following example checks the sign of a column in a table.

CREATE TABLE Numbers (value INT);
INSERT INTO Numbers (value)
VALUES (-10), (0), (10);

SELECT value, SIGN(value) AS Sign
FROM Numbers;