CEILING function

This article describes the formula syntax and usage of the CEILING function (function: A prewritten formula that takes a value or values, performs an operation, and returns a value or values. Use functions to simplify and shorten formulas on a worksheet, especially those that perform lengthy or complex calculations.) in Microsoft Excel.

Description

Returns number rounded up, away from zero, to the nearest multiple of significance. For example, if you want to avoid using pennies in your prices and your product is priced at $4.42, use the formula =CEILING(4.42,0.05) to round prices up to the nearest nickel.

Syntax

CEILING(number, significance)

The CEILING function syntax has the following arguments (argument: A value that provides information to an action, an event, a method, a property, a function, or a procedure.):

  • Number    Required. The value you want to round.
  • Significance    Required. The multiple to which you want to round.

Remarks

  • If either argument is nonnumeric, CEILING returns the #VALUE! error value.
  • Regardless of the sign of number, a value is rounded up when adjusted away from zero. If number is an exact multiple of significance, no rounding occurs.
  • If number is negative, and significance is negative, the value is rounded down, away from zero.
  • If number is negative, and significance is positive, the value is rounded up towards zero.

Example

The example may be easier to understand if you copy it to a blank worksheet.

ShowHow do I copy an example?

  1. Select the example in this article. If you are copying the example in Excel Web App, copy and paste one cell at a time.Important Do not select the row or column headers.

Selecting an example from Help

Selecting an example from Help

  1. Press CTRL+C.
  2. Create a blank workbook or worksheet.
  3. In the worksheet, select cell A1, and press CTRL+V. If you are working in Excel Web App, repeat copying and pasting for each cell in the example.

Important For the example to work properly, you must paste it into cell A1 of the worksheet.

  1. To switch between viewing the results and viewing the formulas that return the results, press CTRL+` (grave accent), or on the Formulas tab, in the Formula Auditing group, click the Show Formulas button.

After you copy the example to a blank worksheet, you can adapt it to suit your needs.

 
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Formula Description (Result)
=CEILING(2.5, 1) Rounds 2.5 up to nearest multiple of 1 (3)
=CEILING(-2.5, -2) Rounds -2.5 up to nearest multiple of -2 (-4)
=CEILING(-2.5, 2) Rounds -2.5 up to nearest multiple of 2 (-2)
=CEILING(1.5, 0.1) Rounds 1.5 up to the nearest multiple of 0.1 (1.5)
=CEILING(0.234, 0.01) Rounds 0.234 up to the nearest multiple of 0.01 (0.24)
 
 
Applies to:
Excel 2010, Excel Web App, SharePoint Online for enterprises, SharePoint Online for professionals and small businesses