Quick Answer

INT Function

Rounds a number down to the nearest integer.

✓ Excel✓ Google SheetsExcel All versions

Syntax

INT
(number)

Parameters

ParameterDescriptionRequired
numberThe real number you want to round down to an integer.Required

Basic Example

Round 4.3 down

=INT(4.3)
Result4

4 is the largest integer less than or equal to 4.3.

Advanced Examples

Example 1: Negative numbers go down

Rounding -4.3.

INT always moves toward negative infinity, not toward zero.

=INT(-4.3)
Result: -5
The largest integer ≤ -4.3 is -5, so INT rounds away from zero for negatives.

Example 2: Extract the integer part of a division

Integer division of 10 by 3.

Combine with MOD for quotient and remainder.

=INT(10/3)
Result: 3
10/3 ≈ 3.333, whose integer part is 3.

How INT Works

INT returns the greatest integer that is less than or equal to the input. For positive numbers this drops the fractional part; for negatives it moves to the next lower integer. Unlike TRUNC, INT rounds toward negative infinity.

1
Select the cell
Click the cell for the integer result.
2
Enter the formula
Type =INT(number).
3
Press Enter
The rounded-down integer appears.

Important Notes & Limitations

  • INT always rounds down (toward negative infinity), so INT(-4.3) = -5, which surprises users expecting -4.

  • For simply dropping decimals without rounding, use TRUNC instead.

  • Result is still a floating-point number with .0.

Common Errors & Fixes

Unexpected negative resultINT rounds negatives down, not toward zero.

Fix: Use TRUNC if you want to drop the sign-preserving fractional part.

#VALUE!Non-numeric argument.

Fix: Supply a numeric value.

Download Practice File

Practice INT with Real Data

Download a sample CSV file with pre-populated data and practice exercises for the INT function. Works in both Excel and Google Sheets.

Works in Google SheetsCompatible with ExcelIncludes exercises

File format: CSV (comma-separated values) - opens in Excel, Google Sheets, and all spreadsheet apps

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between INT and TRUNC?
INT rounds down toward negative infinity (INT(-4.3)=-5), while TRUNC just drops the fractional part toward zero (TRUNC(-4.3)=-4).
How do I get just the whole-number part?
For positive numbers INT and TRUNC give the same result; for negatives prefer TRUNC to avoid rounding.
Can INT return a decimal?
No, it always returns an integer value (stored as a number with no fractional part).