CEILING.MATH Function
Rounds up to a multiple of significance, with a mode for negative numbers.
Syntax
Parameters
| Parameter | Description | Required |
|---|---|---|
| number | The value you want to round. | Required |
| significance | The multiple to round to. Defaults to 1 if omitted. | Optional |
| mode | Controls rounding of negative numbers. 0 (default) rounds toward zero; any other value rounds away from zero (more negative). | Optional |
Basic Example
Round up to the next integer
=CEILING.MATH(24.3)With default significance 1 and mode 0, 24.3 rounds up to 25.
Advanced Examples
Example 1: Negative numbers: toward zero vs away from zero
Controlling how -5.5 is rounded.Mode 0 rounds toward zero; a non-zero mode rounds away from zero.
=CEILING.MATH(-5.5, 1, 0)Example 2: Round to a chosen decimal multiple
Round 6.05 up to the nearest 0.1.Pass significance 0.1.
=CEILING.MATH(6.05, 0.1)How CEILING.MATH Works
CEILING.MATH rounds number up to the nearest multiple of significance (default 1). Unlike the classic CEILING, it permits any sign combination. The mode argument only affects negative numbers: mode 0 rounds toward zero, and any other value rounds away from zero.
Important Notes & Limitations
Only available in Excel 2013 and later (and Microsoft 365); older versions return #NAME?.
For positive numbers, mode has no effect; it always rounds up.
Workbooks saved for pre-2013 compatibility will not support this function.
Common Errors & Fixes
#NAME?Used in an Excel version earlier than 2013.Fix: Use CEILING, or open the file in Excel 2013+ / Microsoft 365.
#VALUE!A non-numeric argument was supplied.Fix: Use numeric values or numeric cell references.
Download Practice File
CEILING.MATH
ceiling-mathPractice CEILING.MATH with Real Data
Download a sample CSV file with pre-populated data and practice exercises for the CEILING.MATH function. Works in both Excel and Google Sheets.
File format: CSV (comma-separated values) - opens in Excel, Google Sheets, and all spreadsheet apps