How to use the Excel INT function

Summary

The Excel INT function returns the integer part of a decimal number by rounding down to the integer. Note the INT function rounds down, so negative numbers become more negative. For example, while INT(10.8) returns 10, INT(-10.8) returns -11.

Purpose

Get the integer part of a decimal by rounding down

Return value

The integer part of the number after rounding down

Syntax

=INT (number)

Arguments

number - The number from which you want an integer.

Usage notes

Use the INT function when you want only the integer part of a decimal number, and it's ok to always round the number down. For example, INT (3.99) returns the number 3.

It's important to note that INT actually rounds down numbers to the next lowest integer value.

So, while INT (10.8) = 10, INT(-10.8) = -11.

Use the TRUNC function if you want the exact integer part of both negative and positive numbers.

Related functions

Excel TRUNC Function

The Excel TRUNC function returns a truncated number based on an (optional) number of digits. For example, TRUNC(4.9) will return 4, and TRUNC(-3.5) will return -3. The TRUNC function does no rounding, it simply truncates as specified.

Excel INT Function

The Excel INT function returns the integer part of a decimal number by rounding down to the integer. Note the INT function rounds down, so negative numbers become more negative. For example, while INT(10.8) returns 10, INT(-10.8) returns -11.

Excel ROUND Function

The Excel ROUND function returns a number rounded to a given number of digits. The ROUND function can round to the right or left of the decimal point.

Excel ROUNDDOWN Function

The Excel ROUNDDOWN function returns a number rounded down to a given number of decimal places. Unlike standard rounding, where only numbers less than 5 are rounded down, ROUNDDOWN rounds all numbers 1-9 down.

Excel ROUNDUP Function

The Excel ROUNDUP function returns a number rounded up to a given number of decimal places. Unlike standard rounding, where numbers less than 5 are rounded down, ROUNDUP always rounds numbers 1-9 up.

Excel MROUND Function

The Excel MROUND function returns a number rounded to a given multiple. MROUND will round a number up or down, depending on the nearest multiple.

Excel FLOOR Function

The Excel FLOOR function rounds a given number down to the nearest specified multiple. FLOOR works like the MROUND function, but FLOOR always rounds down.

Excel CEILING Function

The Excel CEILING function returns a given number rounded up to a specified multiple. For example, =CEILING(A1,5) could be used to round a price in A1 to the nearest 5 dollars. CEILING always rounds up.

Excel ODD Function

The Excel ODD function returns the next odd integer after rounding a given number up. The ODD function always rounds numbers up (away from zero) so positive numbers become larger and negative numbers become smaller (i.e. more negative).

Excel EVEN Function

The Excel EVEN function returns the next even integer after rounding a given number up. The EVEN function always rounds numbers up (away from zero) so positive numbers become larger and negative numbers become smaller (i.e. more negative).

Good links

Microsoft INT function documentation

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