ROUNDUP takes two arguments, number and num_digits. Number is the number to be rounded, and num_digits is the place at which number should be rounded. When num_digits is greater than zero, the ROUNDUP function rounds on the right side of the decimal point. When num_digits is less or equal to zero, the ROUNDUP function rounds on the left side of the decimal point. Use zero (0) for num_digits to round to the nearest integer. The table below summarizes this behavior:

Round to right of decimal

To round up values to the right of the decimal point, use a positive number for digits:  

Round to left of decimal

To round up values to the left of the decimal point, use zero or a negative number for digits:  

Nesting inside ROUNDUP

Other operations and functions can be nested inside the ROUNDUP function. For example, to round the result of A1 divided by B1, you can use a formula like this:

Other rounding functions

Excel provides a number of rounding functions, each with a different behavior:

To round with standard rules, use the ROUND function. To round to the nearest multiple, use the MROUND function. To round down to the nearest specified place, use the ROUNDDOWN function. To round down to the nearest specified multiple, use the FLOOR function. To round up to the nearest specified place, use the ROUNDUP function. To round up to the nearest specified multiple, use the CEILING function. To round down and return an integer only, use the INT function. To truncate decimal places, use the TRUNC function.

Dave Bruns

Hi - I’m Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.