Description
Use this function to round a number down to the nearest integer.
INT removes the fractional part of a number, always rounding down to the nearest integer. It's useful for extracting the integer part of a number or for floor division operations.
Syntax
INT(number)
Inputs
This function accepts the following argument:
| Name | Required | Description | Valid input |
|---|---|---|---|
number |
Yes | The real number you want to round down to an integer. | A real number, a reference to a cell containing a real number, or a formula which results in either of these. |
Example
Sample data
A |
B |
|---|---|
Number |
Description |
3.14159 |
Pi |
-2.718 |
Negative e |
1234.5678 |
Large number |
0.99999 |
Almost one |
Sample formulas
| Use case | Formula | Explanation and Result |
|---|---|---|
| Round a positive number down to the nearest integer. | =INT(A2) |
The INT function rounds a number down to the nearest integer. For the value in cell A2 (3.14159), the formula returns 3. |
| Round a negative number down to the nearest integer. | =INT(A3) |
The INT function rounds down, toward negative infinity. For the negative value in cell A3 (-2.718), the nearest integer is -2, but the function rounds down to the next lowest integer, which is -3. |
| Round a large positive number down to the nearest integer. | =INT(A4) |
The INT function simply returns the integer part of the number. For the value in cell A4 (1234.5678), it discards the decimal portion and returns 1234. |
| Round a positive number close to an integer down to the nearest integer. | =INT(A5) |
The INT function rounds down, so for the value in cell A5 (0.99999), the formula returns 0. |
| Demonstrate the effect of the function on a number close to the next integer. | =INT(4.9999) |
This formula demonstrates that the INT function does not round up. Even though 4.9999 is very close to 5, the function rounds it down, returning 4. |
Notes
- INT always rounds down to the nearest integer, regardless of the decimal part of the
numbervalue. - For positive numbers, INT behaves the same as TRUNC.
- For negative numbers, INT rounds down (away from zero), while TRUNC rounds towards zero.
- INT(1.9999) returns 1, not 2.
- INT(-1.9999) returns -2, not -1.
Tips
- Use INT when you need to find the floor value of a number.
- INT can be useful in financial calculations where you want to discard fractional parts.
- You can combine INT with other functions like MOD for more complex number manipulations.
- To round up to the nearest integer, place a negative sign (-) in front of the number. (
INT(-number)). - Be aware of the differences between TRUNC and ROUND to choose the appropriate function for your needs.
- Consider using the other rounding functions (linked below) if you need to round numbers in a different manner.