INT function
INT rounds a number down to the nearest whole number. For positive numbers that simply drops the decimals; for negative numbers it goes to the lower number, so -8.9 becomes -9. It's also the standard way to strip the time from a date-time value.
- Available in
- Every current version
- Category
- Math functions
- Returns
- The largest whole number that is no more than number.
- Google Sheets
- Works the same in Google Sheets.
Syntax
=INT(number)
| Argument | Required? | What it is |
|---|---|---|
number | Required | The number to round down to a whole number. |
Examples
Each result below is calculated from the sample sheet by our formula engine, the same one that grades the practice.
| Cell | Formula | Result | What it shows |
|---|---|---|---|
| C2 | =INT(B2) | 8 | Drops the decimals: 8.9 becomes 8 |
| C3 | =INT(B3) | -9 | Rounds down, so -8.9 becomes -9, not -8 |
| C4 | =B2-INT(B2) | 0.9 | Subtracting INT leaves just the decimal part: 0.9 |
Try it live
This is the sample sheet. Change any number or text, or edit a formula, and the results update.
Show the sample data as a table
| Value | Number | |
| Positive | 8.9 | 8 |
| Negative | -8.9 | -9 |
| 0.9 |
Practice INT
Graded instantly, then re-checked on changed data.
Whole weeks of work
C2, use INT to turn each project's days into complete weeks. Fill down to C6.Common mistakes
| What you see | Why, and how to fix it |
|---|---|
| Negative numbers are one lower than expected | INT rounds down, so -3.2 becomes -4. Use TRUNC to drop the decimals and keep -3. |
| A whole number dropped by one | The cell holds something like 4.9999 that the format shows as 5. Check the value in the formula bar and round the calculation feeding it. |
| The time disappeared from a date | That's what INT does to a date-time: it keeps the date. Use MOD(A2,1) if you want only the time. |
Tips
- =INT(A2) on a date-time like 3/15/2026 14:30 returns just the date, which makes COUNTIF and lookups by day work.
- For whole weeks from a number of days, use =INT(B2/7).
Questions
How do I remove decimals in Excel without rounding?
For positive numbers use INT or TRUNC. For negative numbers use TRUNC, which keeps -3.7 as -3.
How do I get the decimal part of a number?
Subtract the whole part: =A2-INT(A2). For positive numbers =MOD(A2,1) does the same.
How do I remove the time from a date in Excel?
Use =INT(A2) and format the result as a date.
Last reviewed October 2026. Every example result on this page is calculated live by the Spreadsheet Practice formula engine.