Math function

Excel TRUNC function

Q: How do I remove decimals without rounding in Excel?

Use =TRUNC(A2) to keep the whole number, or =TRUNC(A2,2) to keep two decimals.

Q: How do I remove the time from a date in Excel?

Use =TRUNC(A2) or =INT(A2), then format the cell as a date.

TRUNC cuts off the decimal part of a number without rounding. =TRUNC(8.97) is 8. Add a second argument to keep some decimals: =TRUNC(3.14159,2) is 3.14. It is also a quick way to strip the time from a date-time.

=TRUNC(number, [num_digits])

Arguments

number: The number to cut.
num_digits: Optional. How many decimal places to keep, 0 by default. A negative value cuts digits left of the decimal point: TRUNC(1234,-2) is 1200.

TRUNC examples

Every result below was calculated from this sample sheet by the same spreadsheet engine the Cellwise app uses.

	A	B
1	Reading	Value
2	Temperature	21.68
3	Change	-3.75
4	Distance (km)	12.456
5	Logged at	Oct 5, 2026 14:30

Download this sheet as an Excel practice file (.xlsx)

=TRUNC(B2)
Result: 21
Drops the decimals: 21. ROUND would give 22.
=TRUNC(B4,2)
Result: 12.45
Keeps two decimals without rounding: 12.45, where ROUND gives 12.46.
=TRUNC(B3)
Result: -3
For negative numbers TRUNC goes toward zero: -3. INT(-3.75) goes down to -4.
=TRUNC(B5)
Result: 46300 shows as Oct 5, 2026 with the custom mmm d, yyyy format
Removes the time from a date-time and leaves the date, 46300, which is October 5, 2026.

How to use TRUNC

Click the cell for the result.
Type =TRUNC( and the number or cell.
To keep decimals, add a comma and how many.
Press Enter and fill down.

Common TRUNC mistakes

Expecting rounding

TRUNC never rounds: TRUNC(2.999) is 2. Use ROUND for ordinary rounding.

Treating INT and TRUNC as the same

They agree on positive numbers but not on negatives: INT(-3.75) is -4 and TRUNC(-3.75) is -3.

Hiding the time instead of removing it

A date-time formatted as a date still holds its time, so COUNTIF and lookups on the plain date miss it. TRUNC(A2) or INT(A2) removes the time for real.

TRUNC FAQ

What is the difference between TRUNC and INT in Excel?

Both remove decimals. INT rounds down to the next lower whole number, so INT(-3.75) is -4. TRUNC just drops the decimals, so TRUNC(-3.75) is -3.

How do I remove decimals without rounding in Excel?

Use =TRUNC(A2) to keep the whole number, or =TRUNC(A2,2) to keep two decimals.

How do I remove the time from a date in Excel?

Use =TRUNC(A2) or =INT(A2), then format the cell as a date.

Related functions

Updated November 3, 2026