FLOOR function

The FLOOR function in Excel is used to round a number down to the nearest multiple of a specified significance value. This function helps in rounding numbers to a specified degree of precision, which can be useful in situations like rounding down amounts to the nearest currency unit or rounding measurements.

Syntax

=FLOOR(number, significance)

Parameters

• number: The number you want to round down.
• significance: The multiple to which you want to round the number. This value must be a positive number.

Return Value

The function returns a number that is rounded down to the nearest multiple of the specified significance.

Example 1: Round Down to the Nearest Multiple of 5

To round 12 down to the nearest multiple of 5:

=FLOOR(12, 5)

Result: 10
Explanation: The nearest multiple of 5 less than or equal to 12 is 10.

Example 2: Round Down to the Nearest Multiple of 0.5

To round 7.3 down to the nearest multiple of 0.5:

=FLOOR(7.3, 0.5)

Result: 7.0
Explanation: The nearest multiple of 0.5 less than or equal to 7.3 is 7.0.

Example 3: Round Down a Negative Number

To round -7.5 down to the nearest multiple of 2:

=FLOOR(-7.5, 2)

Result: -8.0
Explanation: The nearest multiple of 2 less than or equal to -7.5 is -8.0 (since we’re rounding down).

Important Notes

• If number is positive, FLOOR rounds it down to the nearest multiple of significance.
• If number is negative, FLOOR rounds it down (away from zero), i.e., to a more negative value.
• If the significance value is greater than the number, the result will be 0 (if the number is positive) or the number itself (if negative).
• In newer versions of Excel (Excel 2010 and later), the FLOOR function has been replaced by FLOOR.MATH for more flexibility in rounding, but FLOOR is still widely used for its simplicity.