How to Use ROUND Functions in Excel

When you’re working with tables of data in Excel spreadsheets, it’s sometimes more convenient to round up your numbers. This makes calculations more straightforward and gives you a better overview of the figures you have in Excel.

In this article, let’s look at how to use the ROUND function in Excel. We’ll go through step-by-step instructions on how to round numbers and decimals in Excel, as well as how to use the ROUND function in nested formulas.

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The Basics of Excel’s ROUND Function

There are three functions to round numbers in Excel: ROUND, ROUNDUP, and ROUNDDOWN. Their difference lies in how they round your numbers:

In these ROUND functions, they have the same two arguments:

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How to Insert a ROUND Formula in Excel

There are two ways to insert a rounding formula in Excel. The first method is to select a cell where you want your rounded number to be displayed. Then, key in the formula containing the ROUND function in theFormula Bar.

The other method is to go to theFormulastab. SelectMath & Trig. Scroll down until you find theROUND,ROUNDUP, orROUNDDOWNfunction. This is helpful when you’re new to the ROUND function in Excel and still getting the hang of entering the rightnum_digit.

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TheFunction Argumentsdialog box will show you the rounded number as you key in the arguments. You can easily check that you have the correct number before you confirm and insert the formula into your Excel sheet.

But in this guide, we’ll use the first method, so you’ll have a complete understanding of how to type the formula yourself.

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How to Use Excel’s ROUND Function to Round to the Nearest Whole Number

Now, let’s use examples to illustrate the different ways it’s possible to utilize Excel’s ROUND function in your spreadsheet.

Round to the Nearest 10 and More With the ROUND Function in Excel

When working out an estimate, you’ll probably need to round your figures to the nearest whole number, as it’s easier to calculate with approximates.

In this first example, let’s look at how to round the stock quantity to the nearest 10:

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To fill in the rest of the cells with the formula, use thesetricks to autofill the cells in your Excel spreadsheet. For Excel’s ROUNDUP or ROUNDDOWN function, the steps are the same. Simply replaceROUNDwithROUNDUPorROUNDDOWNin the formula.

Below is a comparison of how the results will differ between the three functions. All numbers are rounded to the nearest 10:

To round to the nearest 100, thenum_digitis-2. To the nearest 1000, it’s-3, and so on. Notice that thenum_digitcorresponds to the number of zeros in the place value. You can use this to remember whatnum_digityou should use.

Remove Decimals With the Round Function in Excel

Next, let’s look at how you can round to the nearest whole number by getting rid of decimal places:

Again, you’re able to apply ROUNDUP or ROUNDDOWN depending on your needs. Here’s another comparison between the three functions:

How to Use Excel’s ROUND Function to Round Decimals

Rounding to the nearest whole number is not always ideal. Sometimes, more precision is needed—just not too much. Let’s look at how you can use Excel’s ROUND function to round decimals.

Let’s use the weight table again. This time, we want to round each cat’s weight to two decimal places:

To round to one decimal place, use1for thenum_digit. To round to three decimal places, use3, and so on.

How to Use Excel’s ROUND Function in Nested Formulas

In Excel, a nested formula is a formula that contains more than one function. Let’s take a look at how you can use another function within a ROUND formula in Excel.

In this example, let’s sum up the stock quantity we have and round the total to the nearest 100:

Like all the examples we discussed earlier, ROUNDUP and ROUNDDOWN can also be applied for nested formulas.

Let Excel’s ROUND Function Round Your Numbers

Avoid feeling overwhelmed by your spreadsheet’s data by rounding to the nearest whole number in Excel. Or, at least, round off those decimals if absolute accuracy to the last digit isn’t a priority for your data set.

Excel’s ROUND function is very simple to use once you’ve familiarized yourself with it. By using functions and formulas in Excel, you can save time and boost your productivity.

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