number - Required. The number you want to round up
num_digits - Required. Number of decimal places. 0 for whole number, negative for left of decimal (e.g., -2 for hundreds)
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Value | Rounded Up |
| 2 | 3.1 | |
| 3 | 47.3 | |
| 4 | Formula: | =ROUNDUP(A2,0) 4 |
Example: 3.1 boxes needed
=ROUNDUP(3.1,0) → 4 boxes
Example: 2.34 hours
=ROUNDUP(2.34,1) → 2.4 hours
Example: Budget $4567
=ROUNDUP(4567,-2) → $4600
Example: 456 attendees
=ROUNDUP(456,-1) → 460 seats
Calculate how many full boxes, cases, or pallets you must order when the calculated requirement includes fractional units. You can't order 0.3 of a box - the ROUNDUP function in Excel ensures you order enough discrete units to meet demand. Essential for procurement managers, warehouse operations, and supply chain planning where partial units cannot be purchased. This Excel ROUNDUP formula prevents stock shortages by always rounding up to the next whole unit, critical for manufacturing materials, retail inventory, and bulk order planning.
| A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Item | Required | Order Qty |
| 2 | Boxes | 47.3 | |
| 3 | Cases | 12.1 | |
| 4 | Formula: | =ROUNDUP(A2,0) 48 |
Create conservative cost projections by rounding expenses UP to nearest hundred or thousand. The Excel ROUNDUP function ensures budgets have built-in safety margins by preventing underestimation. When estimating project costs, departmental budgets, or financial forecasts, rounding down could create budget shortfalls that derail projects. This ROUNDUP formula pattern is standard in financial planning, grant applications, and executive budget presentations where conservative estimates demonstrate fiscal responsibility and prevent cost overruns.
| A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Expense | Actual Cost | Budget Estimate |
| 2 | Marketing | $4,567.23 | |
| 3 | Formula: | =ROUNDUP(B2,-2) $4,600 |
❌ The Problem:
✅ Solution:
=ROUNDUP(3.1, 0)Use ROUNDUP when you need the next whole unit - it always rounds away from zero. ROUNDUP(3.1,0) returns 4. The ROUNDUP function in Excel ensures you have enough capacity, inventory, or resources. Use ROUND for general accuracy, ROUNDUP for minimum requirements and conservative estimates.
❌ The Problem:
✅ Solution:
=ABS(ROUNDUP(ABS(A1), 0))ROUNDUP always moves away from zero: positive numbers go up, negative numbers go down (more negative). If you need magnitude rounding regardless of sign, wrap in ABS: <code>=ABS(ROUNDUP(ABS(A1),0))</code>. The Excel ROUNDUP function is designed for conservative estimates, which means increasing magnitude in both directions.
❌ The Problem:
✅ Solution:
=ROUNDUP(523/100, 0)Always specify num_digits parameter in the ROUNDUP function. Use 0 for whole numbers, 1 for one decimal place, -1 for tens, -2 for hundreds. The Excel ROUNDUP formula requires both parameters: the number to round and the precision level. Common usage: <code>=ROUNDUP(calculation,0)</code> for whole unit quantities.
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