How to Use the ROUND Function in Excel (9 Examples)

How to Use the ROUND Function in Excel (9 Examples) - ExcelDemy (2025)

Introduction to ROUND Function

Function Objective

The ROUND function is a powerful tool for rounding numbers based on a specified number of digits. Whether you need to round up or round down, this function has you covered.

Syntax

The syntax for the ROUND function is as follows:

=ROUND (number, num_digits)

Arguments Explanation

Arguments	Required/Optional	Explanation
number	required	The value you want to round.
num_digits	required	The number of decimal places to which you want to round the numeric argument.

Return Value

The ROUND function provides a rounded numerical value.

Note

When the number of digits is between 1 and 4, the ROUND function rounds down. For 5 to 9 digits, it rounds up.
To always round up, consider using the ROUNDUP function. Conversely, the ROUNDDOWN function always rounds down.
The number of digits significantly affects the output. Let’s explore the different forms of rounding:

Number of Digits	Forms of Rounding
>0	Rounds to the decimal point
0	Rounds to the nearest integer
<0	Rounds to the nearest 10, 100, etc.

Dataset Overview

Here’s an overview of the dataset that we’ll use in our examples.

Example 1 – Positive Number of Digits

Suppose you have a dataset with unit prices, and you want to round them based on the number of digits. Let’s say the unit price is in cell C5, and the number of digits is in cell D5. Here’s how you can do it:

Select cell E5.
Enter the following formula:

=ROUND(C5,D5)

Press Enter. The result in cell E5 will be 89.6.

AutoFill the formula to the rest of the cells in column E.

Example 2 – Negative Number of Digits

When the number of digits is negative, the ROUND function rounds to the nearest multiple of 10, 100, etc. Repeat the same method as in Example 1.

=ROUND(C5,D5)

Example 3 – Nearest Whole Number

For zero digits, the ROUND function rounds to the nearest whole number. Follow these steps:

Select cell D5.
Enter the formula:

=ROUND(C5,0)

Press Enter. The output in cell D5 will be 90.

AutoFill the formula to the rest of the cells in column D.

Example 4 – Rounding to Two Decimal Places

To round a number to two decimal places, enter the formula:

=ROUND(C5,2)

Where C5 is the number, and 2 represents the desired decimal places.

Example 5 – Specific Rounded Value

Suppose you need a specific rounded value, such as rounding to the nearest 0.99. Follow these steps:

Select cell D5.
Enter the formula:

=ROUND(C5,0)-0.01

Formula Breakdown

ROUND(C5,0) rounds to the 90.
After subtracting 01, you’ll get the desired number.

Press Enter and the result will be 89.99.

AutoFill the formula to the rest of the cells in column D.

Example 6 – Rounding Up to Nearest 10/100/1000

i. Round Up to the Nearest 10

To find the rounded number to the nearest multiple of 10, enter the following formula:

=ROUND(C5,-1)

ii. Round Up to the Nearest 100

For rounding to the nearest multiple of 100, enter:

=ROUND(C5,-2)

iii. Round Up to the Nearest 1000

To calculate the rounded number to the nearest 1000 (or a multiple of that), enter:

=ROUND(C5,-3)

Example 7 – Rounding Time in Excel Using the ROUND Function

You can also apply the ROUND function to time values. Since Excel stores dates and times as serial numbers, the function calculates time as a serial number. To display the result as time, follow these steps: