The CEILING.PRECISE function in Google Sheets is a powerful tool designed to round numbers upwards to the nearest integer multiple of a given significance level. This function proves essential for data analysis and financial calculations where precise rounding is required, ensuring that results meet specific criteria without underestimating any values.

Syntax

CEILING.PRECISE(number, [significance])

• number: The real number that you want to round up.
• significance: Optional. The multiple to which you want to round the number up. If omitted, it defaults to 1.

Example #1

CEILING.PRECISE(4.3)

This will round 4.3 up to the nearest whole number, resulting in 5.

Example #2

CEILING.PRECISE(-4.3)

This will round -4.3 up (towards zero) to the nearest whole number, yielding -4.

Example #3

CEILING.PRECISE(5.1, 0.5)

This rounds 5.1 up to the nearest 0.5 increment, resulting in 5.5.

Error handling

• VALUE!: This error occurs if the ‘number’ parameter is non-numeric. Ensure that you input a valid number.
• NUM!: This appears when the ‘significance’ is non-positive. Only positive significance values are allowed for proper rounding.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the CEILING.PRECISE function is an invaluable asset for anyone needing to perform accurate upward rounding in Google Sheets. By understanding its syntax and applying it to various scenarios, users can enhance their spreadsheet accuracy and reliability in data management.