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In Excel 2007, the INT function rounds a number down to the next lowest integer. The effect is as if the decimal portion is just dropped, and often INT is used to facilitate just that — dropping the decimal.
INT comes in handy when all you need to know is the integer part of a number or the integer part of a calculation's result. For example, you may be estimating what it will cost to build a piece of furniture. You have the prices for each type of raw material, and you just want a ballpark total.
INT takes only the number as an argument. INT can work on positive or negative values, but works a little differently with negative numbers. INT actually rounds down a number to the next lower integer. When working with positive numbers, the effect appears the same as just dropping the decimal. With negative numbers, the effect is dropping the decimal portion and then subtracting 1.
With negative numbers, the function produces an integer that is farther away from 0. Therefore, a number such as –25.25 becomes –26. Here are some examples:
- =INT(-25.25) returns –26.
- =INT(-25.75) returns –26.
Here's how to use the INT function:
1. In a cell of your choice, enter a number that has a decimal portion.
2. Position the cursor in the cell where you want the results to appear.
3. Enter =INT( to begin the function entry.
4. Click the cell where you entered the number.
5. Enter a closing parenthesis to end the function and then press Enter.
 | INT can also be used to return just the decimal part of a number. Subtracting the integer portion of a number from its full value leaves just the decimal as the answer. For example, =10.95-INT(10.95) returns 0.95. |
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