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FLOOR.PRECISE Function

Excel 2007+

Summary

The FLOOR.PRECISE function rounds a number down to the nearest integer or specified multiple, always toward negative infinity regardless of the sign of the number or significance value. This ensures consistent mathematical flooring behavior across all numeric inputs.

Syntax

FLOOR.PRECISE(number, [significance])

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
number	`Number`	Yes	The value you want to round down to the nearest multiple
significance	`Number`	No	The multiple to which to round. Omitting gives default of 1.

Using the FLOOR.PRECISE Function

FLOOR.PRECISE excels in scenarios requiring true mathematical flooring, such as financial modeling, inventory calculations, and data aggregation where numbers must consistently round downward. Unlike legacy FLOOR functions, it eliminates sign-dependent rounding discrepancies.

Common FLOOR.PRECISE Examples

Handling Negative Numbers

=FLOOR.PRECISE(-3.2,-1)

Rounds -3.2 down to nearest multiple of -1, result: -4

Positive Number with Positive Significance

=FLOOR.PRECISE(3.2,1)

Rounds 3.2 down to nearest multiple of 1, result: 3

Negative Number with Positive Significance

=FLOOR.PRECISE(-3.2,1)

Rounds -3.2 down to nearest multiple of 1, result: -4

Default Significance

=FLOOR.PRECISE(3.2)

Rounds 3.2 down using default significance of 1, result: 3

Mixed Sign Example

=FLOOR.PRECISE(3.2,-1)

Rounds 3.2 down to nearest multiple of -1 (uses absolute value), result: 3

Frequently Asked Questions

FLOOR.PRECISE defaults to significance=1, rounding down to the nearest integer.

No, it always rounds toward negative infinity regardless of signs, using the absolute value of significance.

FLOOR.PRECISE always rounds down mathematically, while FLOOR requires matching signs between number and significance.

Common Errors and Solutions

#NUM! error

Cause: Number or significance arguments are non-numeric

Solution: Ensure both arguments contain valid numbers

Unexpected rounding direction

Cause: Expecting FLOOR behavior instead of true mathematical flooring

Solution: Remember FLOOR.PRECISE always rounds toward negative infinity

Zero result when expecting rounded value

Cause: Both number and significance are zero

Solution: This is correct behavior per function specification

Notes

Available since Excel 2007
Rounds toward negative infinity (mathematical floor)
Zero inputs always return zero
Perfect replacement for legacy FLOOR functions in modern spreadsheets

Compatibility

Available in: Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365

Not available in: Excel 2003 and earlier

Content last reviewed: December 9, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2007+