Purpose

Return value

Syntax

=INT(number)
  • number - The number from which you want an integer.

Using the INT function

The INT function returns the integer part of a decimal number by rounding down to the integer. It is important to understand that the INT function returns the integer part of a decimal number, after rounding down . One consequence of this behavior is that negative numbers become more negative . For example, while INT(10.8) returns 10, INT(-10.8) returns -11. To return an integer by truncating decimals, see the TRUNC function .

The INT function takes just one argument, number , which should be a numeric value. INT returns a #VALUE! error if number is not a numeric value. If number is already a whole number, INT has no effect.

Examples

When numbers are positive, the INT function rounds down to the next lowest whole number:

=INT(3.25) // returns 3
=INT(3.99) // returns 3
=INT(3.01) // returns 3

Notice INT rounds positive numbers down toward zero . With negative numbers, INT rounds down away from zero :

=INT(-3.25) // returns -4
=INT(-3.99) // returns -4
=INT(-3.01) // returns -4

INT vs. TRUNC

INT is similar to the TRUNC function because they both can return the integer part of a number. However, TRUNC simply truncates a number, while INT actually rounds a number down to an integer. With positive numbers, and when TRUNC is using the default of 0 for num_digits , both functions return the same results. With negative numbers, the results can be different. INT(-3.1) returns -4, because INT rounds down to the lower integer. TRUNC(-3.1) returns -3. If you simply want the integer part of a number, you should use TRUNC.

Rounding functions in Excel

Excel provides a number of functions for rounding:

  • To round normally, use the ROUND function .
  • To round to the nearest multiple, use the MROUND function .
  • To round down to the nearest specified place , use the ROUNDDOWN function .
  • To round down to the nearest specified multiple , use the FLOOR function .
  • To round up to the nearest specified place , use the ROUNDUP function .
  • To round up to the nearest specified multiple , use the CEILING function .
  • To round down and return an integer only, use the INT function .
  • To truncate decimal places, use the TRUNC function .

Notes

  • INT returns a #VALUE! error if number is not a numeric value.
  • Use the INT function to get an integer from a number by rounding.
  • Use the TRUNC function to return an integer by truncating.

Purpose

Return value

Syntax

=LCM(number1,[number2],...)
  • number1 - The first number.
  • number2 - [optional] The second number.

Using the LCM function

The LCM function returns the least common multiple of two or more numbers. The least common multiple is the smallest positive integer that is a multiple of all numbers supplied. Least common multiple is also known as the “least common denominator”, and the “lowest common denominator”.

The LCM function takes one or more arguments called number1 , number2 , number3 , etc. All numeric values are expected to be integers. Numbers with decimal values will be truncated to integers before a result is calculated. Each argument can be a hardcoded constant, a cell reference, or a range that contains multiple values. The LCM function can accept up to 255 arguments total.

Examples

The least common multiple of 3 and 4 is 12, since 12 is the smallest multiple of both 3 and 4:

=LCM(3,4) // returns 12

The least common multiple of 3, 4, and 5 is 60, since 60 is the smallest multiple of all three numbers:

=LCM(3,4,5) // returns 60

Worksheet example

In the example worksheet shown above, we are using two slightly different formulas to calculate the lowest common multiple. The first formula provides two separate cell references, and the second formula uses a single range that contains three values. In rows, 5 to 10, there are two values in columns B and C, and the formula in F5:F10 (copied down) is:

=LCM(B5,C5) // 2 cell references

In rows 11 to 15, there are three values in columns B, C, and D. The formula in F11:F15 (copied down) is:

=LCM(B11:D11) // range with 3 values

Because the LCM function evaluates empty cells as zero, the result returned by LCM will be zero if any cell references are empty. Therefore, it’s important not to include empty cell references.

Notes

  • LCM evaluates empty cells as zero.
  • LCM works with integers; decimal values are removed before calculation.
  • If arguments contain a non-numeric value. LCM returns the #VALUE! error.
  • To calculate the greatest common divisor, see the GCD function .