Using the SQL Server Ceiling Function: Syntax, Examples, and Best Practices

If you're working with SQL Server and need to round up values in your queries, the Ceiling function is a powerful tool to have in your toolkit. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about using the SQL Server Ceiling function, including syntax, examples, and best practices.

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Introduction

The SQL Server Ceiling function is used to round up a numeric value to the nearest integer or a specified number of decimal places. It's a commonly used function in SQL Server and can be extremely helpful in a variety of situations.

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Syntax

The syntax for the SQL Server Ceiling function is as follows:

scss code
CEILING ( numeric_expression )

Where numeric expression is the numeric value you want to round up.

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Examples

Let's take a look at a few examples to see the SQL Server Ceiling function in action:

Example 1: Round up to the nearest integer

Let's take a look at a few examples to see the SQL Server Ceiling function in action:

sql code
SELECT CEILING(2.3) AS Result;

Output:

markdown code
Result
-------
     3

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Example 2: Round up to the nearest 0.5

sql code
SELECT CEILING(2.3 * 2) / 2 AS Result;

Output:

markdown code
Result
-------
   2.5

Example 3: Round up to the nearest 100

sql code
SELECT CEILING(12345 / 100) * 100 AS Result;

Output:

markdown code
Result
-------
   12400

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Best Practices

When using the SQL Server Ceiling function, there are a few best practices to keep in mind:

• Be careful when using the Ceiling function with negative numbers. The function will round up to the next integer, which may not be what you expect.
• Use the Ceiling function sparingly. While it can be a helpful tool, overuse can make your queries more complex and harder to read.
• Always test your queries thoroughly to make sure you're getting the desired results.

Conclusion

The SQL Server Ceiling function is a powerful tool for rounding up numeric values in your queries. By following the syntax, examples, and best practices outlined in this article, you'll be well on your way to using the Ceiling function effectively in your own SQL Server queries.

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