In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the Excel formula INT, which is used to round a number down to the nearest integer. This function is particularly useful when you need to remove decimal values from a number or round down to the nearest whole number. We will cover the syntax, examples, tips and tricks, common mistakes, troubleshooting, and related formulae for the INT function.
INT Syntax
The syntax for the INT function in Excel is quite simple:
=INT(number)
Where ‘number’ is the value you want to round down to the nearest integer. This can be a constant, a cell reference, or a formula that returns a numeric value.
INT Examples
Let’s look at some examples of how to use the INT function in Excel:
Example 1: Basic usage
If you want to round down the number 5.8 to the nearest integer, you can use the following formula:
=INT(5.8)
This will return the value 5, as it is the nearest integer less than or equal to 5.8.
Example 2: Using a cell reference
If you have a number in cell A1 and you want to round it down to the nearest integer, you can use the following formula:
=INT(A1)
This will return the rounded down value of the number in cell A1.
Example 3: Using a formula as input
If you have two numbers in cells A1 and A2 and you want to divide them and then round down the result to the nearest integer, you can use the following formula:
=INT(A1/A2)
This will first divide the value in A1 by the value in A2 and then round down the result to the nearest integer.
INT Tips & Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the INT function in Excel:
Tip 1: Use INT to remove decimal places
If you want to remove the decimal places from a number without rounding it up or down, you can use the INT function. This can be useful when working with large datasets where decimal values are not needed.
Tip 2: Combine INT with other functions
You can combine the INT function with other Excel functions to perform more complex calculations. For example, you can use the INT function with the MOD function to determine if a number is even or odd:
=IF(MOD(INT(A1),2)=0,”Even”,”Odd”)
This formula will return “Even” if the rounded down value of A1 is even, and “Odd” if it is odd.
Common Mistakes When Using INT
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using the INT function in Excel:
Mistake 1: Using INT to round up
The INT function always rounds down to the nearest integer, even if the decimal value is closer to the next integer. If you want to round up, you should use the ROUNDUP function instead.
Mistake 2: Forgetting to include the number argument
When using the INT function, make sure to include the number argument. If you forget to include it, Excel will return a #VALUE! error.
Why Isn’t My INT Function Working?
If you’re having trouble with the INT function, here are some common issues and solutions:
Issue 1: #VALUE! error
If you see a #VALUE! error, it’s likely that you’ve either forgotten to include the number argument or you’ve provided a non-numeric value as the argument. Make sure to provide a valid number or a cell reference containing a number.
Issue 2: Incorrect rounding
If the INT function is not rounding the number as expected, double-check your formula and make sure you’re using the correct function. Remember, the INT function always rounds down to the nearest integer. If you want to round up or round to the nearest integer, use the ROUNDUP or ROUND functions instead.
INT: Related Formulae
Here are some related Excel functions that you might find useful when working with the INT function:
1. ROUND
The ROUND function rounds a number to a specified number of decimal places. This function can round up or down, depending on the value of the decimal part.
=ROUND(number, num_digits)
2. ROUNDUP
The ROUNDUP function rounds a number up to a specified number of decimal places.
=ROUNDUP(number, num_digits)
3. ROUNDDOWN
The ROUNDDOWN function rounds a number down to a specified number of decimal places.
=ROUNDDOWN(number, num_digits)
4. CEILING
The CEILING function rounds a number up to the nearest multiple of a specified value.
=CEILING(number, significance)
5. FLOOR
The FLOOR function rounds a number down to the nearest multiple of a specified value.
=FLOOR(number, significance)
