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Rounding to Whole Number Calculator

Round any decimal number to the nearest whole number (integer)

Round to Whole Number

Understanding Whole Numbers

What is a Whole Number?

A whole number is a number without any decimal or fractional part

Examples: 0, 1, 2, 3, 10, 100, 1000

Also known as: Integers (when including negative numbers)

How to Round to Whole Numbers

  1. Look at the first digit after the decimal point (tenths place)
  2. If the tenths digit is 5 or greater, round up to the next whole number
  3. If the tenths digit is less than 5, round down (keep the same whole number)
  4. Remove all decimal places from the final answer

Quick Examples

  • 45.7 → 46 (tenths digit is 7, which is ≥ 5, so round up)
  • 45.3 → 45 (tenths digit is 3, which is < 5, so round down)
  • 99.5 → 100 (tenths digit is 5, so round up)
  • 12.49 → 12 (tenths digit is 4, which is < 5, so round down)

Common Examples

Original NumberTenths DigitDecisionResult
3.141591 (less than 5)Round down3
45.77 (≥ 5)Round up46
12.55 (≥ 5)Round up13
99.99 (≥ 5)Round up100
0.494 (less than 5)Round down0
8.8888 (≥ 5)Round up9

When to Round to Whole Numbers

Rounding to whole numbers (also called rounding to the nearest integer) is one of the most fundamental rounding operations. It simplifies decimal numbers by removing all fractional parts, making them easier to read, understand, and work with in everyday situations.

Common Uses

  • Counting Items: You can't have 12.7 apples, so round to 13 apples
  • People/Population: Round 1,234.567 people to 1,235 people
  • Age: "I'm 25.8 years old" becomes "I'm 26 years old"
  • Test Questions: Can't have 37.5 questions, round to 38 questions
  • Days/Weeks: Round time periods to whole numbers (45.3 days → 45 days)
  • Estimation: Quick mental math and approximations

Real-World Examples

Shopping: "This recipe needs 2.7 eggs" → Use 3 eggs

Attendance: Average attendance of 487.3 people → Report as 487 people

Scoring: Average score of 78.6 → Report as 79

Inventory: 145.8 units in stock → You have 146 whole units

Benefits of Whole Numbers

  • Easier to read and understand
  • Simpler mental math calculations
  • Represents countable, discrete quantities
  • Removes unnecessary precision
  • Better for reporting and communication