The ROUND function in Google Sheets is a powerful tool that allows users to round numbers to a defined number of decimal places. This function adheres to standard rounding rules, making it ideal for precise numerical representations in various applications, whether for financial calculations, data analysis, or scientific measurements.

Syntax

ROUND(value, [places])

• value: The number you want to round.
• places: The number of decimal places to which you want to round the value. If omitted, it defaults to 0.

Example #1

ROUND(123.456, 2)

This function rounds the number 123.456 to two decimal places, resulting in 123.46.

Example #2

ROUND(123.456, 0)

Here, the number 123.456 is rounded to zero decimal places, giving a result of 123.

Example #3

ROUND(123.456)

In this case, since the number of decimal places is omitted, 123.456 is rounded to the nearest whole number, yielding 123.

Error handling

• VALUE!: This error occurs if the value parameter is not a valid number.
• NUM!: This indicates that the places parameter is out of the allowable range, such as if it’s a negative number when rounding to decimal places.

Conclusion

The ROUND function is an essential tool in Google Sheets for ensuring that numerical data is presented accurately and concisely. By understanding its syntax, parameters, and common error messages, users can effectively implement this function in their spreadsheets to enhance data clarity and professionalism.