MySQL CEIL() Function

 In MySQL, the CEIL() function (also called CEILING()) is used to return the smallest integer value that is greater than or equal to a given number. In other words, it rounds up a decimal number to the next integer.

Syntax:

CEIL(number)

• number: The numeric value that you want to round up.

Description:

• If the number is already an integer, CEIL() returns the number itself.
• If the number is a decimal, CEIL() rounds it up to the nearest integer, regardless of whether the decimal part is greater or smaller than 0.5.

Example Usage:

1. Basic example:

   SELECT CEIL(4.2);
   

   Result: 5

2. Example with negative number:

   SELECT CEIL(-4.2);
   

   Result: -4

   • In this case, even though -4.2 is closer to -4, CEIL() rounds it up to the next integer, which is -4 (less negative).

3. Example with an integer:

   SELECT CEIL(5);
   

   Result: 5

   • Since the number is already an integer, the result is the same as the input.

4. Example with another decimal number:

   SELECT CEIL(8.76);
   

   Result: 9

5. Example with negative decimal:

   SELECT CEIL(-8.76);
   

   Result: -8

When to use CEIL():

• Rounding up: You would typically use CEIL() when you need to round up a number to ensure it meets a minimum threshold.
• Financial or pricing applications: For example, if calculating shipping costs or dividing a number of items into packages, and you want to ensure you have enough containers, CEIL() can be helpful.

Conclusion:

The CEIL() function in MySQL is a simple and effective way to round up decimal numbers to the next higher integer.