ExcelMathBeginner

ROUNDUP

Rounds a number up, away from zero.

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=ROUNDUP(number, num_digits)
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What the function does

Overview

Rounds a number up, away from zero.

The ROUNDUP function is a specialized mathematical tool designed to round a numeric value away from zero to a specific number of decimal places. Unlike the standard ROUND function, which rounds based on whether the next digit is 5 or greater, ROUNDUP consistently increases the absolute value of the number regardless of the fractional part. This behavior makes it essential for scenarios like logistical planning (e.g., determining the number of containers needed for a partial load) or financial calculations where conservative estimates are required. The function takes two arguments: the 'number' and 'igits'. If 'igits' is greater than 0, the number rounds up to the specified decimal places; if 0, it rounds to the nearest integer; if less than 0, it rounds to the left of the decimal point (tens, hundreds, etc.). Note that for negative numbers, ROUNDUP moves away from zero, so -1.1 becomes -2.0.

Quick reference

Syntax

=ROUNDUP(number, num_digits)

Inputs

Arguments

numberNumber to round
Example: A2
num_digitsDecimal places
Example: 0

Formula patterns

Examples

1

Rounding up to the nearest whole integer

=ROUNDUP(A2, 0)
inventorylogistics
2

Ensuring a minimum currency precision

=ROUNDUP(B2, 2)
financepricing
3

Rounding up to the nearest thousand

=ROUNDUP(C2, -3)
budgetingestimation

Avoid these issues

Common Errors

1

#VALUE!

Cause: The number argument or the num_digits argument is non-numeric, often containing text or hidden characters.

Fix: Use the ISNUMBER function to verify the data in cells A2 or B2, and remove any non-numeric characters.

2

#NAME?

Cause: The function name is misspelled or is being used in an older version of Excel that does not support it (though ROUNDUP is widely available).

Fix: Check for typos in the formula bar and ensure the function name is typed exactly as ROUNDUP.

Platform support

Compatibility

Excel 2007+Excel-first

Source: Microsoft Support

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Rounds a number up, away from zero.

number: Number to round igits: Decimal places

#VALUE!: Use the ISNUMBER function to verify the data in cells A2 or B2, and remove any non-numeric characters. #NAME?: Check for typos in the formula bar and ensure the function name is typed exactly as ROUNDUP.