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TRUNC Function

Excel 2007+

Summary

The Excel TRUNC function removes the fractional part of a number, returning the integer portion without rounding. Unlike rounding functions, TRUNC simply truncates toward zero regardless of the number's sign.

Syntax

TRUNC(number, [num_digits])

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
number	`Number`	Yes	The numeric value you want to truncate toward zero
num_digits	`Number`	No	Precision level for truncation. Default is 0 (integer result)

Using the TRUNC Function

TRUNC is perfect for extracting integer portions from decimal numbers without rounding effects. Use it in financial calculations, data cleanup, or when you need precise integer extraction from measurements or calculations.

Common TRUNC Examples

Basic Integer Truncation

=TRUNC(8.9)

Removes decimal portion from 8.9, returning 8.

Negative Number Handling

=TRUNC(-8.9)

Truncates -8.9 toward zero, returning -8 (not -9).

Custom Precision

=TRUNC(123.456, 2)

Truncates to 2 decimal places, returning 123.45.

Fractional Numbers

=TRUNC(0.85)

Returns 0 from numbers between 0 and 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

TRUNC(-8.9) returns -8 (truncates toward zero), while INT(-8.9) returns -9 (rounds toward negative infinity).

TRUNC defaults to 0 decimal places, returning the integer portion.

TRUNC expects numeric input. Text or errors will return errors.

Common Errors and Solutions

#VALUE! Error

Cause: Non-numeric value provided as number argument

Solution: Ensure input contains valid numbers only

Unexpected rounding behavior

Cause: Confusing TRUNC with ROUND function

Solution: Remember TRUNC always truncates toward zero, never rounds

Notes

TRUNC(8.9) = 8 and TRUNC(-8.9) = -8
Use positive num_digits for decimal precision
Negative num_digits truncates toward higher magnitude
Faster execution than ROUND for integer needs

Compatibility

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

Not available in:

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