An absolute encoder preferable in being made compact is provided.
The absolute encoder includes a worm gear, a permanent magnet (19) provided on a top end side of the worm gear, and magnetic sensors. In the permanent magnet (19), a given first polar portion (N) among first polar portions each having a first polarity and a given second polar portion (S) among second polar portions each having a second polarity different from the first polarity are formed adjacent to each other, when viewed from an end surface of the permanent magnet (19) in an axial direction thereof. A given first polar portion (N) and a given second polar portion (S) are formed to be adjacent in a radial direction, with a radial middle portion of the permanent magnet (19) that is a boundary. A given first polar portion (N) and a given second polar portion (S) are formed to be adjacent in an axial direction, with an axial middle portion of the permanent magnet (19) that is a boundary.