﻿ CEILING function

CEILING function

This article describes the formula syntax and usage of the CEILINGfunction in Microsoft Excel.


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.


CEILING(number, significance)

The CEILING function syntax has the following arguments:

  • Number    Required. The value you want to round.

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


  • 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.



How do I copy an example?

  1. Select the example in this article.

    Important   Do not select the row or column headers.

    selecting an example from help

    Selecting an example from Help

  2. Press CTRL+C.

  3. In Excel, create a blank workbook or worksheet.














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)



Was this information helpful?

Yes No

How can we improve it?

255 characters remaining


Thank you for your feedback!

Support resources

Change language