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How to ROUNDUP Numbers in Google Sheets: A Step-by-Step Guide

December 7, 2023 1.8K views

Welcome to the world of precision in Google Sheets! In this guide, we'll explore the ROUND, ROUNDUP, and ROUNDDOWN functions. I'll share examples and insights to demystify these formulas, making your spreadsheet endeavors smoother.

What Are ROUND, ROUNDUP, ROUNDDOWN Functions

Understanding the ROUND, ROUNDUP, and ROUNDDOWN functions in Google Sheets is pivotal for precise numerical manipulations. Let's delve into a brief introduction of these three essential formulas along with illustrative examples.

1. ROUND Function: The ROUND function is employed to round a number to a specified number of digits. For instance, if you have the number 15.6789 and want to round it to two decimal places, you would use =ROUND(15.6789, 2). This results in 15.68. The ROUND function is versatile, allowing users to round to any desired decimal place.

2. ROUNDUP Function: The ROUNDUP function, on the other hand, always rounds a number up, regardless of the decimal portion. For example, rounding up 15.6789 to two decimal places would be achieved with =ROUNDUP(15.6789, 2), resulting in 15.68. The ROUNDUP function is useful when you want to ensure values are rounded away from zero.

3. ROUNDDOWN Function: Conversely, the ROUNDDOWN function rounds a number down to a specified number of decimal places. Using the same example, =ROUNDDOWN(15.6789, 2) yields 15.67. The ROUNDDOWN function is handy when rounding towards zero is necessary.

Key Differences:

  • ROUND: Flexible rounding to the specified decimal place.

  • ROUNDUP: Always rounds up, ensuring values move away from zero.

  • ROUNDDOWN: Always rounds down, directing values towards zero

These functions empower users to manipulate numerical data precisely, catering to various rounding needs in Google Sheets.

How to Make Numbers Rounded in Google Sheets

Rounding numbers in Google Sheets is a fundamental skill that ensures accuracy in data presentation. Follow this step-by-step guide to master the art of rounding numbers with ease.

Step 1: Open Your Google Sheets Document Start by opening your Google Sheets document containing the numbers you want to round. If you don't have one, create a new sheet and input the numerical data.

Step 2: Identify the Target Cell Identify the cell containing the number you want to round. For example, let's consider cell A1 with the number 15.6789 that needs rounding.

Step 3: Select the Formula Bar Click on the formula bar at the top of the Google Sheets window. This is where you'll input the rounding formula

Step 4: Input the ROUND Formula In the formula bar, type =ROUND(. Then, click on the cell you want to round, in this case, A1. Finish the formula with a closing parenthesis. Press Enter to execute the formula.

Step 5: Observe the Rounded Result You will now see the rounded result in the selected cell. In our example, the number 15.6789 is rounded to 16.

Example : Rounding to the Nearest Whole Number

Now, let's consider rounding the number 27.45 to the nearest whole number using the same steps. Input =ROUND( in the formula bar, click on the cell containing 27.45, and press Enter. The result will be 27, as it rounds down to the nearest whole number.

By following these simple steps, you can efficiently round numbers in Google Sheets to meet your specific requirements. Adjust the formula for different rounding scenarios, and enhance the clarity of your data presentation.

How to Round Numbers Up to Specified Decimal Places

Rounding numbers up to specified decimal places in Google Sheets involves using the ROUNDUP function. Follow this step-by-step guide to achieve precise rounding.

Step 1: Open Your Google Sheets Document Begin by opening your Google Sheets document containing the numbers you want to round up. If you don't have one, create a new sheet and input the numerical data.

Step 2: Identify the Target Cell Identify the cell containing the number you want to round up. For this example, let's consider cell B1 with the number 27.4567 that needs rounding up.

Step 3: Select the Formula Bar Click on the formula bar at the top of the Google Sheets window. This is where you'll input the ROUNDUP formula.

Step 4: Input the ROUNDUP Formula In the formula bar, type =ROUNDUP(. Then, click on the cell you want to round up, in this case, B1. Specify the number of decimal places you desire, for example, =ROUNDUP(B1, 2) to round to two decimal places. Finish the formula with a closing parenthesis and press Enter.

Step 5: Observe the Rounded Up Result You will now see the rounded-up result in the selected cell. In our example, the number 27.4567 is rounded up to 27.46, ensuring it always rounds up to the nearest specified decimal places.

Example: Rounding Up to Two Decimal Places

Now, let's consider rounding up the number 19.8743 to two decimal places using the same steps. Input =ROUNDUP( in the formula bar, click on the cell containing 19.8743, specify 2 for two decimal places, and press Enter. The result will be 19.88, rounding up to the nearest two decimal places.

By following these straightforward steps, you can confidently round numbers up to your desired decimal places in Google Sheets, ensuring precision in your data presentations. Adjust the formula for various rounding scenarios as needed.

How to Round Numbers Down to Specified Decimal Places

Rounding numbers down to specified decimal places in Google Sheets is achieved through the ROUNDDOWN function. Follow this step-by-step guide for precise rounding.

Step 1: Open Your Google Sheets Document Commence by opening your Google Sheets document containing the numbers you intend to round down. If you don't have an existing sheet, create one and input the numerical data.

Step 2: Identify the Target Cell Identify the cell housing the number you want to round down. For this illustration, let's use cell C1 with the number 35.7896 that requires rounding down.

Step 3: Select the Formula Bar Click on the formula bar at the top of the Google Sheets window, where you'll input the ROUNDDOWN formula.

Step 4: Input the ROUNDDOWN Formula In the formula bar, type =ROUNDDOWN(. Click on the cell you wish to round down, here it's C1. Specify the desired number of decimal places, for instance, =ROUNDDOWN(C1, 2) for two decimal places. Complete the formula with a closing parenthesis and press Enter.

Step 5: Observe the Rounded Down Result Witness the rounded-down result in the selected cell. In our case, the number 35.7896 is rounded down to 35.78, ensuring it always rounds down to the nearest specified decimal places.

Example : Rounding Down to Two Decimal Places

Consider rounding down the number 48.9654 to two decimal places using the same steps. Input =ROUNDDOWN( in the formula bar, click on the cell containing 48.9654, specify 2 for two decimal places, and press Enter. The result will be 48.96, rounding down to the nearest two decimal places.

One tip I would like to share is to familiarize yourself with the different rounding functions available in Google Sheets. Understanding the nuances of each function, such as ROUND, ROUNDUP, and ROUNDDOWN, will empower you to choose the most appropriate tool for your specific needs.

Another useful strategy is to leverage the Fill Handle feature in Google Sheets. This feature allows you to quickly apply formulas or copy values to multiple cells without manually entering them each time. It can save you time and effort, especially when dealing with large datasets.

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FAQs

How do I round up time in Google Sheets?

To round up time in Google Sheets, use the MROUND function. For instance, if the time is in cell A2 and you want to round up to the nearest 15 minutes, use the formula =MROUND(A2, "0:15").

How do I change the number of decimal places in Google Sheets?

To change the number of decimal places, click on the cell or range, go to "Format" in the toolbar, choose "Number," and select the desired decimal format or choose "Automatic" for Google Sheets to decide.

Summary

In this guide on rounding numbers in Google Sheets, we covered the ROUND, ROUNDUP, and ROUNDDOWN functions with user-friendly tutorials. Emphasized WPS Office as a notable alternative, offering free download, cross-platform compatibility, PDF tools, and advanced capabilities through WPS AI. The article equips readers with essential spreadsheet skills while encouraging exploration of WPS Office for enhanced productivity.

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.