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How to Use CEILING Function in Excel (Easy Ways)

November 6, 2023 1.1K views

In this world of Excel's powerful mathematical functions, consider how to efficiently utilise the CEILING function, which can greatly boost your data management skills. The CEILING function deals with a straightforward method to round quantities upwards in order to ensure accuracy in calculations and keeping consistency in your analysis. This complete guide digs into many easy ways of employing the CEILING function within Excel, facilitating all users of all levels with practical insights and step-by-step directions. Whether you are a learner that is searching to bolster the spreadsheet skills or a seasoned Excel user aiming to improve your data handling techniques. This study of the CEILING function will enable you to navigate its functionalities flawlessly and empower its advantages for effective and exact results.

1. What Is the Excel Ceiling Function?

The Excel CEILING function is a mathematical tool designed to round numbers up to the nearest specified multiple or significance. It ensures that a given number is rounded to a higher value, maintaining a specific interval or step size. This function proves invaluable in scenarios where precision and consistency are essential, such as financial calculations, inventory management, or data analysis. By using the CEILING function, users can avoid underestimating values and ensure that their computations align with specific requirements. Whether adjusting prices, allocating resources, or generating charts, understanding and employing the Excel CEILING function empowers individuals to make accurate and informed decisions based on rounded-up data points.

2. How to Use the Ceiling Function in Excel? (Step-By-Step)

Utilising the CEILING function in Excel is simple and can apply in multiple ways. A complete step-by-step guide on how to use the CEILING function in Excel is as follows:

1. Round up numbers to their multiples using the CEILING function

Step1:Open a new or existing Excel worksheet on which you want to perform the CEILING function.

Step2: Select the Excel cell where you want to show the result of the CEILING function. This is the location where the Excel will show the rounded-up value.

Step3:In this cell, start typing the CEILING formula, as follows:

=CEILING(number, significance)

Where:

  • Number:This refers to the targeted value that you want to round up.

  • Significance: It refers to the value, against which round up takes place to their multiple.

Step4:Now, replace the arguments that are "number" and "significance", in the formula with the actual values or cell references you are working with. For instance:

=CEILING(6.8, 3)

This formula will round up the number 6.8 to the nearest multiple of significance 3, resulting in 9.

Step5:After applying this formula with the suitable values, press the "Enter" button. Now, the Excel will calculate the rounded-up value depending upon the given arguments.

Step6:The cell you selected will display the rounded-up result according to the CEILING function's calculations.

2. Round up fraction numbers using the CEILING function

Step1:Open an Excel worksheet on which you want to perform this function.

Step2:Select the Excel cell where you want to show the result of the CEILING function.

Step3:Start typing the CEILING formula in the cell, as follows:

=CEILING(number, significance)

Where:

  • Number:This refers to the targeted value that you want to round up.

  • Significance:it refers to the value, against which you want to round up the fraction number.

Step4:Now, enter the actual values or cell references you are working with. For instance:

=CEILING(6.5842, 0.1)

This formula will round up the number 6.5842 to the nearest fraction number of significance 0.1, resulting in 6.6.

Step5:Press the "Enter" button. Now, the Excel will calculate the rounded-up value depending upon the given arguments.

Step6:The cell you selected will display the rounded-up result according to the CEILING function's calculations.

3. Round up negative numbers using the CEILING function

Step1:Open an Excel worksheet on which you want to perform this function.

Step2:Select the Excel cell where you want to show the result of the CEILING function.

Step3:Start typing the CEILING formula in the cell, as follows:

=CEILING(number, significance)

Where:

  • Number: This refers to the targeted value that you want to round up.

  • Significance: it refers to the value, against which you want to round up the negative number.

Step4:Now, enter the actual values or cell references you are working with. For instance:

=CEILING(-6.5842, -0.1)

This formula will round up the number -6.5842 to the nearest negative number of significance -0.1, resulting in -6.6.

Step5:Press the "Enter" button. Now, the Excel will calculate the rounded-up value depending upon the given arguments.

Step6:The cell you selected will display the rounded-up result according to the CEILING function's calculations.

Hence, you have successfully used three methods of applying the CEILING function in Excel to round a number up to a specific requirement. You can repeat these steps for different numbers and significance values as required against your calculations.

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3. Best Alternative - WPS Office

WPS Office is a multipurpose office suite similar to Microsoft Office. It is providing multiple and great features and functions, one of them is the Excel CEILING function. This function simplifies numbers rounding up related works with ease and accuracy. Comparable to Excel's CEILING function, WPS allows its users to round numeric values up to specified significance. No matter, whether you require rounding data for any purpose like financial analysis, statistical calculations, or any other application. This Office facilitates its all users with a user-friendly environment and smooth compatibility in order to make it a reliable choice for those searching for efficient and perfect number rounding proficiencies.

The reason why you should choose WPS office over ceiling function

  • Cost-effective solution: WPS Office offers a cost-effective alternative to Microsoft Excel by offering a feature-rich office suite with the CEILING function and many other tools at a likely free of cost.

  • Cross-Platform compatibility: WPS Office can deal across multiple platforms like Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It ensures flawless access to the CEILING function across multiple devices.

  • Familiar interface: WPS Office claims a simple user interface that is most likely to Microsoft Office in order to make the transition easy for all Excel users. Understanding with Excel's CEILING function lets users use the WPS office effortlessly.

  • Lightweight and fast: This Office is also well-known for its lightweight design. That results in faster loading times and smoother routine even on older hardware devices.

  • Cloud integration: This Office is providing a cloud storage integration that enables its users to get their files and work on the CEILING function across multiple devices in order to boost productivity and collaboration.

4. FAQs about Excel Ceiling Function

Q.1 What is the purpose of the Excel Ceiling function?

The Excel Ceiling function is used to round a number up to the nearest specified multiple, ensuring data accuracy and avoiding underestimation in calculations.

Q.2 What happens if the number is already an exact multiple of the significance value?

If the number is already an exact multiple of the significance, the Ceiling function will return the same number without any changes.

Q.3 In which scenarios is the Excel Ceiling function particularly useful?

The Ceiling function is handy in financial modelling, budgeting, inventory management, and any situation where precise rounding is essential to maintain data accuracy. It ensures that values are always rounded up to the desired interval or precision level.

5. Summary

In the end, learning the art of utilising the CEILING function in Excel opens up a world of accurate calculations and efficient data analysis. By smoothly rounding numbers up to specific multiples, this function proves to be a vital tool in order to ensure accuracy in multiple scenarios. Whether you are adjusting financial figures, optimising inventory management, or fine-tuning data for charts, the CEILING function simplifies the process with its easy-to-follow instructions.

In both Excel and WPS, understanding the CEILING function equips you with a powerful skillset, enabling you to confidently handle rounding necessities and keep precision in your calculations. As you continue to discover the possibilities within these tools, your proficiency in data operation and analysis is certain to rise, boosting your productivity to new heights.


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