sign

Learn how to use the sign function in Notion formulas.

The sign() function returns the sign of its argument. It indicates whether its argument is positive, negative, or zero.
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sign(number)
sign() accepts only numbers; it will not auto-convert Booleans or other data types.
Example Formulas
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sign(-5) // -1
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​
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sign(5) // 1
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​
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sign(0) // 0
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​
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sign(+"-1") // -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
sign
College Info Geek on Notion
"Balance" Property Formula
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// Compressed
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sign(prop("Balance")) == -1 ? "🔴 Negative Balance!" : sign(prop("Balance")) == 0 ? "🟡 $0 Balance" : "🟢 Balance OK"
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​
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// Expanded
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sign(
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    prop("Balance")
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) == -1 ? 
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"🔴 Negative Balance!" : 
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sign(
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    prop("Balance")
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) == 0 ? 
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"🟡 $0 Balance" : 
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"🟢 Balance OK"
This simple formula uses a nested if-statement (written in the ternary operator syntax with ? and :) 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
equal
About the Author
​
 My name is Thomas Frank, and I'm a Notion-certified writer, YouTuber, and template creator. I've been using Notion since 2018 to organize my personal life and to run my business and YouTube channel. In addition to this formula reference, I've created a free Notion course for beginners and several productivity-focused Notion templates. If you'd like to connect, follow me on Twitter.

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Last modified 4mo ago