The Excel EVEN function rounds a number up (away from zero) to the nearest even integer — useful for pairing items or sizing in twos.
Syntax
| Argument | Description | |
|---|---|---|
number | Required | The number you want to round up to the nearest even integer. |
How to use it
EVEN rounds away from zero to the next even whole number. Any value that isn't already an even integer bumps up to the next one:
Because it rounds away from zero, negative inputs go to the more negative even number. An input that is already even (like 4) is returned unchanged. EVEN is the even-number counterpart of ODD.
2.1 jumps to 4, not 2. EVEN rounds up to the next even integer, so even a tiny fraction past 2 pushes the result to 4. Use ROUND or MROUND(x, 2) if you want the nearest even multiple instead.
Try it: interactive demo
Pick a EVEN example to see the formula and its result.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
Does EVEN round to the nearest even number?
=EVEN(2.1) is 4, not 2.How does EVEN handle negative numbers?
=EVEN(-3) returns -4, the more negative even number.What does EVEN return for a number that's already even?
=EVEN(4) is 4. Odd integers and any fraction round up to the next even value.What's the difference between EVEN and ODD?
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