ROUND
Rounds a number to a specified number of digits.
=ROUND(number, num_digits)This static page keeps the function indexed for search, while the spreadsheet app handles interactive exploration and saved formulas.
What the function does
Overview
Rounds a number to a specified number of digits.
The ROUND function is a fundamental mathematical tool that adjusts a numeric value to a specified number of decimal places or integer levels based on standard arithmetic rules. Unlike cell formatting, which only changes the visual display, ROUND alters the actual value stored in memory. This is critical for preventing cumulative floating-point errors in large datasets or financial ledgers where precise totals are required. If igits is greater than 0, the function rounds to the specified decimal places; if it is 0, it rounds to the nearest whole integer; and if it is less than 0, it rounds to the left of the decimal point (e.g., -1 rounds to the nearest 10, -2 to the nearest 100). Standard rounding logic applies: digits 1-4 round down, while 5-9 round up. Best practices suggest applying ROUND to the final results of calculations involving multiplication or division of currency to ensure that the sum of line items matches the grand total exactly.
Quick reference
Syntax
=ROUND(number, num_digits)Inputs
Arguments
Example: A2
Example: 2
Formula patterns
Examples
Rounding currency to two decimals
=ROUND(A2, 2)Rounding large figures to the nearest thousand
=ROUND(B2, -3)Converting fractional units to whole numbers
=ROUND(C2 * D2, 0)Avoid these issues
Common Errors
#VALUE!
Cause: The number or num_digits argument contains non-numeric text or symbols that Excel cannot interpret as a value.
Fix: Ensure the referenced cells (A2, B2) contain numeric data and remove any manually typed currency symbols or spaces.
Floating Point Inconsistency
Cause: Excel uses binary floating-point math, which can occasionally cause a value like 0.05 to be stored as 0.0499999999999998, causing an unexpected round down.
Fix: Use a very small addition (e.g., +0.000000000001) before rounding or ensure all preceding calculations are also wrapped in ROUND functions.
Platform support
Compatibility
Source: Microsoft Support
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Rounds a number to a specified number of digits.
number: The number to round igits: Number of decimal places (0 for integer)
#VALUE!: Ensure the referenced cells (A2, B2) contain numeric data and remove any manually typed currency symbols or spaces. Floating Point Inconsistency: Use a very small addition (e.g., +0.000000000001) before rounding or ensure all preceding calculations are also wrapped in ROUND functions.