How to Master the Round Functions in Google Sheets

It’s no secret that keeping numbers clean and simple is always a good idea. And when it comes to rounding numbers in Google Sheets, the ROUND functions are here to save the day.

In this article, we’ll explore three commonly used round functions in Google Sheets and reveal how they can help you round numbers effortlessly. Get ready to become a pro at using the ROUND(), ROUNDUP(), and ROUNDDOWN() functions!

The Versatile ROUND Function in Google Sheets

Let’s start with the ROUND() function, which serves as the foundation for understanding its sibling functions.

The purpose of the ROUND() function is to round a number to a specific number of decimal places, following standard rounding rules.

Syntax:

ROUND(value, places)

Arguments:

  • value: The number you want to round.
  • places: The number of decimal places to round the value. It’s optional, and the default value is 0.

To illustrate the standard rounding rules, let’s look at some examples:

Example to the ROUND function use in Google Sheets

In the above example, we have a range of 8 numbers in cells A2:A13. The first number, 3.15 in cell A2, is rounded to 3.2 using the formula =ROUND(A2, 1). This is because, according to the standard rule, the digit to the right (the next most significant digit), which is 5 in 3.15, determines the rounding. If the next most significant digit is greater than or equal to 5, the digit is rounded up. If it’s less than 5, the digit is rounded down.

For instance, in cell A3, the value is 3.14. Since the next most significant digit is 4, the formula =ROUND(A3, 1) rounds down the digit, resulting in 3.1.

But that’s not all! The ROUND function in Google Sheets also allows for negative “places,” which rounds the value to the left of the decimal point. Take a look at the following examples to understand how it works:

Negative places used in ROUND

Always Round Up with ROUNDUP

When your goal is to always round up a number, the ROUNDUP() function is your ally. It behaves similarly to the ROUND() function, but with one crucial difference – it always rounds up!

Syntax:

ROUNDUP(value, [places])

Arguments:

  • value: The number you want to round up.
  • places: The number of decimal places to which you want to round up the value. It’s optional, and the default value is 0.

Let’s explore some examples to demonstrate both positive and negative places in the ROUNDUP function:

Positive Places in the ROUNDUP Function in Google Sheets:
Roundup +ve Places

Negative Places in the ROUNDUP Function in Google Sheets:
Roundup -ve Places

Always Round Down with ROUNDDOWN

If you prefer always rounding down a number, the ROUNDDOWN() function is the perfect fit. Just like the previous functions, it shares the same structure as ROUND(), but it always rounds down!

Syntax:

ROUNDDOWN(value, [places])

Arguments:

  • value: The number you want to round down.
  • places: The number of decimal places to which you want to round down the value. It’s optional, and the default value is 0.

Let’s take a look at some examples of both positive and negative places in the ROUNDDOWN function:

Positive Places in the ROUNDDOWN Function in Google Sheets:
+ve places in ROUNDDOWN function

Negative Places in the ROUNDDOWN Function in Google Sheets:
-ve places in ROUNDDOWN function

Combined Use with Other Formulas

Now that you’ve mastered the Round Functions in Google Sheets, let’s explore how you can leverage them in combination with other formulas such as SUM, DSUM, SUMPRODUCT, and SUMIF.

Here are a few examples (without detailed explanations):

ROUND Function with SUMIF:

=ROUND(SUMIF(B5:E9, B13, C5:C9), 0)

Similarly, you can use ROUNDUP as well as ROUNDDOWN functions with the SUMIF function.

ROUNDDOWN function with DSUM:

=ROUNDDOWN(DSUM(B6:D14, 3, B2:D4), 1)

ROUNDUP function with SUMPRODUCT:

=ROUNDUP(SUMPRODUCT((B7:B14="Myron Ambriz")*((C7:C14="North")+(C7:C14="South"))*(D7:D14)), 0)

Conclusion

When dealing with numbers in Google Sheets, especially when creating invoices or handling finances, keeping decimal places limited to two or zero is often the best practice.

By mastering the Round Functions in Google Sheets, you’ll be well-equipped to simplify your numbers effortlessly. Remember, a simple number is always easier to remember!

And hey, if you want to explore more about Round functions or other Google Sheets tricks, head over to Crawlan.com for more exciting content!

Similar:

  • How to Use Google Sheets TRUNC Function.
  • How to Use the MROUND Function in Google Sheets.
  • Round, Round-Up, Round-Down Hour, Minute, Second in Google Sheets.
  • How to Use the Floor Function in Google Sheets.
  • How to Use the Ceiling Function in Google Sheets.
  • Round Numbers in Google Sheets Query – Workaround.
  • How to Round Percentage Values in Google Sheets.

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