How to Use the INT Function in Google Sheets
The INT function in Google Sheets is used to round a number down to the nearest integer. Unlike the ROUND function, which considers decimal values, INT always truncates the decimal part and returns the largest integer less than or equal to the given number.
📌 Syntax of INT
=INT(number)- number: The numeric value you want to round down to an integer.
✅ Example 1: Positive decimal number
=INT(5.9)→ Result: 5
| A | B | |
| 1 | 5.9 | =INT(A1) |
The decimal part is removed, leaving only the integer value 5.
✅ Example 2: Negative decimal number
=INT(-3.2)→ Result: -4
| A | B | |
| 1 | -3.2 | =INT(A1) |
Unlike truncation, which would give -3, the INT function rounds down to the nearest integer, so the result is -4.
✅ Example 3: Using INT with division
=INT(17/5)→ Result: 3
| A | B | |
| 1 | 17 | =INT(A1/5) |
The result of 17 ÷ 5 is 3.4, and INT returns only the integer part: 3.
📌 Key Notes
- The INT function always rounds down (toward negative infinity).
- For positive numbers, it simply removes the decimal part.
- For negative numbers, it may give a smaller integer than expected due to rounding toward negative infinity.
🧠 Practical Uses
– Breaking down values into whole units (e.g., boxes, batches) – Useful in financial or statistical reports where fractions should not be considered – Helps when you need to calculate “full units” without rounding up
✅ Conclusion
The INT function is a simple but powerful tool to consistently round values down to integers. Especially in cases involving negative numbers or unit calculations, understanding the difference between truncation and INT is essential for accurate results.
