How to Use INT Function in Excel: Syntax and Examples

In Excel, use the INT function to round a number down to the nearest whole number. Simply enter =INT(number) where number is the value or cell reference you want to round down.

Syntax

The INT function has a simple syntax:

• number: The value or cell reference you want to round down.

It always rounds the number down to the nearest integer less than or equal to the original number.

excel

=INT(number)

Example

This example shows how INT rounds numbers down:

• If A1 contains 5.9, =INT(A1) returns 5.
• If A2 contains -3.2, =INT(A2) returns -4 because it rounds down to the next lower integer.

excel

A1: 5.9
A2: -3.2

In B1: =INT(A1)
In B2: =INT(A2)

Output

B1: 5
B2: -4

Common Pitfalls

People often expect INT to just remove decimals, but it always rounds down. For negative numbers, this means it goes to the next smaller integer, not just truncating decimals.

Wrong: Using INT to get the integer part of -3.2 expecting -3.

Right: INT(-3.2) returns -4 because it rounds down.

excel

=INT(-3.2)  returns -4
=TRUNC(-3.2) returns -3

Quick Reference

Function	Description	Example	Result
INT	Rounds number down to nearest integer	=INT(4.7)	4
INT	Rounds negative number down (to smaller integer)	=INT(-4.7)	-5
TRUNC	Removes decimal part without rounding	=TRUNC(-4.7)	-4

Key Takeaways

Use =INT(number) to round a number down to the nearest whole number in Excel.

INT always rounds down, so negative numbers round to the next smaller integer.

For just removing decimals without rounding, use TRUNC instead of INT.

INT works with both positive and negative numbers correctly by rounding down.

Remember INT returns an integer value, useful for rounding in calculations.