The TRUNC function in Google Sheets is a versatile tool that allows users to simplify numerical values by removing less significant digits. This function is particularly useful when you want to focus on a specific level of precision without rounding the number up or down. By utilizing TRUNC, you can maintain the integrity of your data while presenting it in a cleaner, more organized manner.

Syntax

TRUNC(value, [places])

• value: The number you want to truncate.
• places: (Optional) The number of digits to which you want to truncate the value. If omitted, the default value is 0.

Example #1

TRUNC(123.456, 2)

This function call truncates the number 123.456 to 2 decimal places, resulting in a value of 123.45. If applied, it manages data to focus on necessary decimal details without rounding.

Example #2

TRUNC(987.654321)

This truncates 987.654321 to 0 decimal places (the default), producing a simple integer, 987. This can be useful for dealing with integer values when fractional parts are irrelevant.

Example #3

TRUNC(-12.3456, 3)

Here, the function reduces the negative number to 3 decimal places, resulting in -12.345. This helps in maintaining a certain precision even with negative values during calculations.

Error handling

• VALUE! – This error occurs if the value provided is not a valid number.
• NUM! – This happens when the specified number of places is less than zero.
• REF! – This is shown if a cell reference is invalid.

Conclusion

In summary, the TRUNC function in Google Sheets serves as an effective method for refining numerical data by removing insignificant digits. Its straightforward syntax and versatility make it a valuable asset for both casual users and professionals managing data analysis. Understanding how to implement TRUNC can elevate your data presentation, making it clearer and more focused on essential values.