TRUNC function
TRUNC cuts a number off at a set number of decimals without rounding. 8.97 becomes 8, and with two digits 3.14159 becomes 3.14. Unlike INT, it moves negative numbers toward zero, so -8.97 becomes -8.
- Available in
- Every current version
- Category
- Math functions
- Returns
- The number with the extra digits removed, not rounded.
- Google Sheets
- Works the same in Google Sheets.
Syntax
=TRUNC(number, [num_digits])
| Argument | Required? | What it is |
|---|---|---|
number | Required | The number to cut off. |
num_digits | Optional | How many decimals to keep. Leave it out (or use 0) to keep none. |
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 | =TRUNC(B2) | 8 | Drops the decimals without rounding: 8 |
| C3 | =TRUNC(B3) | -8 | Negative numbers move toward zero: -8, where INT gives -9 |
| C4 | =TRUNC(B4,2) | 3.14 | Keeps two decimals and cuts the rest: 3.14 |
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 | |
| Price | 8.97 | 8 |
| Loss | -8.97 | -8 |
| Pi | 3.14159 | 3.14 |
Practice TRUNC
Graded instantly, then re-checked on changed data.
Commission to the cent
D2, use TRUNC to calculate it. Fill down to D6.Common mistakes
| What you see | Why, and how to fix it |
|---|---|
| Expected 2.999 to become 3 | TRUNC never rounds. Use ROUND when you want the nearest value. |
| Different results from INT | They only differ for negative numbers: TRUNC(-3.7) is -3 and INT(-3.7) is -4. Pick the one that matches your rule. |
| #VALUE! | The number is text that can't be read as a number. Clean the source cell or wrap it in VALUE. |
Tips
- Negative num_digits cuts to the left of the decimal: =TRUNC(1987,-2) returns 1900.
Questions
What is the difference between TRUNC and INT in Excel?
For positive numbers, nothing. For negatives, TRUNC goes toward zero (-3.7 to -3) and INT goes down (-3.7 to -4).
How do I truncate to two decimal places?
Use =TRUNC(A2,2). 4.567 becomes 4.56.
Is TRUNC the same as ROUNDDOWN?
Yes, in results: both cut toward zero. ROUNDDOWN requires the digits argument, while TRUNC defaults to 0.
Last reviewed October 2026. Every example result on this page is calculated live by the Spreadsheet Practice formula engine.