I have a column of derived data. I want to copy the absolute value of the
cells, not the formulas, to another place on the spreadsheet so I can sort
them from greatest to least.

Select the Values from cells, click Copy. Move to another location,
right-click choose Paste Special - Values (can also use Edit - Paste Special).

Let us know if the information is helpful.

"Joe G" wrote:

I have a column of derived data. I want to copy the absolute value of the
cells, not the formulas, to another place on the spreadsheet so I can sort
them from greatest to least.

Highlight the range of cells in question; from menu click Edit Copy.
Place the cell pointer at the other location and from the menu click
Edit Paste Special; select Values, and click OK.

That answers your specific question (assuming you do not actually mean
"absolute value", the math term, and instead mean "the calculated
value"), but are you aware you can sort a range of calculated cells?