What is TRUNC function in Excel?
TRUNC function is one of the Math and Trig functions in Microsoft Excel that truncates a number to an integer by removing the fractional part of the number.
Syntax of TRUNC function
TRUNC(number, [num_digits])
The TRUNC function syntax has the following arguments:
- Number: The number you want to truncate.
- Num_digits(Optional): A number specifying the precision of the truncation. The default value for num_digits is 0 (zero).
TRUNC formula explanation
TRUNC and INT are similar in that both return integers. TRUNC removes the fractional part of the number. INT rounds numbers down to the nearest integer based on the value of the fractional part of the number. INT and TRUNC are different only when using negative numbers: TRUNC(-4.3) returns -4, but INT(-4.3) returns -5 because -5 is the lower number.
Example of TRUNC function
Steps to follow:
1. Open a new Excel worksheet.
2. Copy data in the following table below and paste it in cell A1
Note: For formulas to show results, select them, press F2 key on your keyboard and then press Enter.
You can adjust the column widths to see all the data, if need be.
| Formula | Description | Result |
| =TRUNC(8.9) | Truncates 8.9 to return the integer part (8). | 8 |
| =TRUNC(-8.9) | Truncates a negative number to return the integer part (-8). | -8 |
| =TRUNC(0.45) | Truncates a number between 0 and 1, returning the integer part (0). |