Absolute encoders are used widely to measure actual position rather than the relative movement detected by incremental encoders. They derive the angle position from the code pattern of the graduated disc and convert it into a signal, allocating a fixed value to each angular position.

Absolute encoders maintain their position data in the event of power down which is immediately available after switch-on. Single turn absolute encoders will identify angle position within on revolution and provide the corresponding signal. Multi-turn absolute encoders can also distinguish several revolutions.