Syntax
=ROUNDUP(value, [places])
value- The number to round.
places- Optional. Decimal places to keep (default 0).
ROUNDUP function in Google Sheets
ROUNDUP always rounds away from zero, however small the remainder. It answers questions like "how many boxes do I need?", where any leftover means one more.
Practice ROUNDUP
Task 1 of 1
How many tables are needed for the first event? Divide guests by seats per table and round up to a whole number. Answer in D2.
Tip: while typing a formula, click a cell or drag across cells to insert references. Press Enter to check, and Tab to accept a function suggestion.
ROUNDUP examples
Each example below runs against this sample sheet. The results are calculated by the same engine as the practice grid.
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Value | Other |
| 2 | -7.45 | 3 |
| 3 | 12.5 | 4 |
| 4 | 81 | 2 |
| 5 | 2.5 | 0 |
| 6 | 1234.567 | 5 |
| Formula | Result | What it shows |
|---|---|---|
=ROUNDUP(A6, 0) | 1235 | Any fraction bumps it up. |
=ROUNDUP(A3 / B3, 0) | 4 | Items ÷ capacity, rounded up to whole containers. |
=ROUNDUP(A2, 0) | -8 | "Away from zero" means negatives get more negative. |
Tips and common mistakes
- ROUNDUP(x, 0) on an exact whole number leaves it unchanged.
- If you need the next multiple of something (e.g. nearest 5), Google Sheets also offers CEILING.
Related functions
Learning step by step? ROUNDUP is covered in Lesson 30: ROUND, ROUNDUP & ROUNDDOWN of the free course.