ODD Function

Excel Functions › Math & Trig

All versions Math & Trig

The Excel ODD function rounds a number up (away from zero) to the nearest odd integer — the odd-number counterpart of EVEN.


Quick answer:
=ODD(2) up to next odd = 3

Syntax

=ODD(number)
ArgumentDescription
numberRequiredThe number you want to round up to the nearest odd integer.

How to use it

ODD rounds away from zero to the next odd whole number. Any value that isn't already an odd integer bumps up to the next one:

=ODD(2) // next odd = 3
=ODD(1.5) // next odd = 3
=ODD(-2) // away from zero = -3

Because it rounds away from zero, negative inputs go to the more negative odd number. An input already odd (like 3) is returned unchanged. ODD is the odd-number counterpart of EVEN.

1.5 jumps to 3, not 1. ODD rounds up to the next odd integer, so any fraction past 1 pushes the result to 3. Note that =ODD(0) returns 1, since 0 rounds up to the first positive odd number.

Try it: interactive demo

Live demo

Pick a ODD example to see the formula and its result.

Result:

Practice workbook

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Frequently asked questions

Does ODD round to the nearest odd number?
No — it always rounds up (away from zero) to the next odd integer. =ODD(1.5) is 3, not 1.
How does ODD handle negative numbers?
It rounds away from zero, so =ODD(-2) returns -3, the more negative odd number.
What does ODD return for zero?
=ODD(0) returns 1 — zero rounds up to the first positive odd integer.
What's the difference between ODD and EVEN?
ODD rounds up to the nearest odd integer; EVEN rounds up to the nearest even integer. Both round away from zero.

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Related functions: EVEN · MROUND · ROUNDUP · CEILING · INT