CEIL in MySQL: Syntax, Examples, and Use Cases
CEIL in MySQL Server is more than just a rounding function. It is a precision tool that can save your database application from messy calculations and unexpected results. As a developer, DBA, and data professional, you will agree that working with numeric data in the MySQL database can be daunting. These tasks require not just accuracy but also the ability to meet business expectations. Thankfully, the CEIL function in MySQL offers a reliable way to achieve this goal.
How does CEIL in MySQL work, and what are its advantages?
This guide walks you through what the CEIL function in MySQL Server is. It breaks down how it works, lists use cases, provides real-world examples, and compares the CEIL() function to related functions like FLOOR and ROUND, so you know exactly when to use each one. Additionally, you will discover how the dbForge Studio for MySQL offers a smoother and faster way to use the CEIL() function in MySQL.
Let's get right into it.
What is CEIL in MySQL?
CEIL in MySQL is a numeric function that returns the smallest integer greater than or equal to a given number. In simpler terms, CEIL in MySQL is used to round a value up to the nearest whole number, irrespective of the decimal part. In some databases like SQL Server, CEIL is referred to as CEILING.
Below are a few examples of how the CEIL function rounds up a value:
- CEIL(7.2) rounded up to 8
- CEIL(7.9) still rounded up to 8, not 7
- CEIL(-3.4) moves up toward zero, and the result is -3, which is greater than -3.4
CEIL(), ROUND(), and FLOOR() are all functions in MySQL Server that are used to round values. However, while the ROUND() function rounds a value based on the decimal value and can go up or down, and the FLOOR() always rounds down, the CEIL() function always rounds up. This functionality makes CEIL especially useful when you need consistent upward rounding in scenarios like the following:
- Finance: when rounding up prices, fees, or tax calculations to avoid undercharging.
- Data cleanup: for ensuring values are normalized to integers without losing important units.
- Pagination: for calculating the total number of pages required when splitting records into equal chunks.
By using CEIL in MySQL, you can ensure that numeric operations are precise and predictable.
Syntax of the CEIL() function in MySQL
Like almost every other function in MySQL, the syntax of the CEIL() function is quite straightforward. All you need to do is input the function value, and it will return the smallest integer greater than or equal to that number.
However, keep in mind that the value of the CEIL() function must be of a numeric type (such as INT, DECIMAL, FLOAT, or DOUBLE), and the return value is always an integer.
Below is the syntax of the CEIL() function in MySQL, along with examples.
Syntax:
CEIL(number);
Example 1: Using CEIL in a SELECT statement:
SELECT CEIL(12.3) AS RoundedValue;
Example 2: Using CEIL with a column value
SELECT product_id, price, CEIL(price) AS RoundedPrice FROM products;
This query returns each product along with its original price and the price rounded up to the nearest whole number.
Also, since CEIL() is a standard numeric function, you can use it in SELECT, UPDATE, or even inside expressions. For instance:
UPDATE orders SET total_pages = CEIL(total_items / 20);
Here, CEIL ensures that the number of pages for items is always rounded up to the nearest whole number. This approach makes it useful for pagination.
CEIL vs CEILING(): What is the difference?
CEIL() and CEILING() perform the same function and are often interchangeable. However, in some databases like SQL Server, you use only CEILING(), not CEIL(). In MySQL, you can use either of the two.
While some developers prefer CEIL() because it's shorter and quicker to type, others prefer CEILING() since it reads more naturally and improves code readability.
CEIL function in MySQL with examples
To understand how the CEIL() function in MySQL works, check the following examples demonstrating its usage with various input values.
Positive numbers
When you apply the CEIL() function to positive decimal values, it always rounds up to the next highest integer. For example:
SELECT CEIL(4.2) AS Result1,
CEIL(7.9) AS Result2,
CEIL(10.01) AS Result3;
This method of handling positive numbers makes the CEIL() function in MySQL valuable in financial applications and dashboards, where rounding up prevents underestimation (e.g., rounding up prices, service fees, or tax values).
Negative numbers
With negative numbers, the CEIL() function's behavior can be tricky. It also rounds up to the next integer, which in this case means "towards zero." Here is an example:
SELECT CEIL(-2.3) AS Result1,
CEIL(-7.9) AS Result2,
CEIL(-10.01) AS Result3;
Notice these distinctions:
- CEIL(-7.9) becomes -7, not -8.
- It does not "round down" further into the negatives. It always moves up toward zero.
This clarity is essential because with the CEIL() function, "rounding up" doesn't always mean toward positive infinity. Instead, it means rounding "up to the nearest integer," even with negatives.
CEIL with table columns
With table columns, you can use the MySQL CEIL function to clean up or normalize values in reports.
Example with a salary column:
SELECT employee_id, salary, CEIL(salary) AS RoundedSalary FROM employees;
This approach is handy when you want to do any of the following:
- Billing summaries: To round up a value to ensure full charges are applied.
- Reports: To avoid decimals when only integer values are meaningful.
- Data normalization: To ensure consistent results across queries.
Difference between CEIL, FLOOR, and ROUND functions
What is the difference between CEIL and FLOOR or CEIL and ROUND in MySQL Server?
As explained earlier, there are three rounding functions in MySQL: CEIL, FLOOR, and ROUND, but each behaves differently. Understanding these differences ensures you choose the proper function for your specific use case.
The table below provides a detailed comparison of these three functions and their respective operations.
| Function | Behavior with positive values | Behavior with negative values | Example input | Result | Typical use cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEIL() | Rounds up to the nearest higher integer | Rounds up toward zero (less negative) | CEIL(4.3) CEIL(-4.3) |
5 -4 |
Billing systems, allocating resources, and pagination |
| FLOOR() | Rounds down to the nearest lower integer | Rounds down away from zero | FLOOR(4.3) FLOOR(-4.3) |
4 -5 |
Discount calculations, date/time normalization |
| ROUND() | Rounds to the nearest integer (up or down, based on the .5 rule) | Same logic applies to negatives | ROUND(4.3) ROUND(-4.7) |
4 -5 |
Reports, dashboards, standard rounding operations |
CEIL vs FLOOR
The CEIL() and FLOOR() functions are exact opposites:
- CEIL() always rounds up to the nearest integer.
- FLOOR() always rounds down to the nearest integer.
Example:
SELECT CEIL(7.3) AS CeilResult,
FLOOR(7.3) AS FloorResult;
And with negatives:
SELECT CEIL(-7.3) AS CeilResult,
FLOOR(-7.3) AS FloorResult;
Use cases:
- Use CEIL() when you need to avoid underestimation (e.g., billing, pagination).
- Use FLOOR() when you need to avoid overestimation (e.g., discounts, limiting values).
CEIL vs ROUND
The ROUND() function behaves differently. It follows the .5 rule when rounding a value to the nearest integer. This means if the decimal is 0.5 or higher, ROUND() rounds up; if it is below 0.5, it rounds down.
Example:
SELECT CEIL(7.3) AS CeilResult, ROUND(7.3) AS RoundResult, ROUND(7.7) AS RoundResult2;
With negatives:
SELECT CEIL(-7.7) AS CeilResult,
ROUND(-7.7) AS RoundResult;
Key difference:
- CEIL() always moves upward (toward zero for negatives).
- ROUND() may go up or down depending on the decimal part.
CEIL in other SQL dialects (quick comparison)
Using the CEIL() function in MySQL is quite straightforward, but in other SQL dialects, it varies slightly. Understanding this variation is essential when working across multiple database systems or migrating queries between platforms.
The table below explains how the CEIL() function works in other SQL dialects.
| Database system | Function name(s) | Syntax example | Notes on behavior |
|---|---|---|---|
| MySQL | CEIL(), CEILING() | SELECT CEIL(7.2); | Both names are valid and interchangeable. Argument must be numeric; return is an integer. |
| SQL Server | CEILING() only | SELECT CEILING(7.2); | Only CEILING() is supported (not CEIL()). Works with FLOAT, REAL, and NUMERIC types. |
| Oracle | CEIL() | SELECT CEIL(7.2) FROM dual; | Uses only CEIL(). Returns the smallest integer greater than or equal to the argument. |
| PostgreSQL | CEIL(), CEILING() | SELECT CEIL(7.2); | Both names are supported as synonyms. Works with NUMERIC and floating-point types. |
| IBM DB2 | CEIL(), CEILING() | SELECT CEIL(7.2) FROM SYSIBM.SYSDUMMY1; | Both are valid. The behavior is consistent with rounding up toward zero for negative values. |
Key takeaways:
- MySQL and PostgreSQL: Support both CEIL() and CEILING().
- SQL Server: Only CEILING() is valid. Queries using CEIL() will fail.
- Oracle: Only CEIL() is valid.
- DB2: Supports both CEIL() and CEILING().
If you need to write cross-database queries, the safest choice is to stick with CEILING(), since it works in SQL Server (which doesn't allow CEIL()) and is also recognized in PostgreSQL and DB2. Oracle is the only typical exception where you must use the CEIL() function.
When should you use the CEIL function in MySQL?
The MySQL CEIL function shines in situations where rounding up is the only acceptable outcome. Instead of leaving fractional values that could undercount or underestimate, CEIL ensures you always move up to the next whole number. Here are some common, real-world use cases.
Billing calculations
Imagine a billing system that charges by the hour. If a customer uses 3.2 hours of service, you can't bill for 3 hours. Instead, you want to charge for 4. The CEIL function comes in handy in this scenario, and here is an example of how you can use it.
SELECT CEIL(3.2) AS BilledHours;
This logic applies to subscription models, utility bills, delivery fees, and other pricing rules where charging less would cause revenue loss.
Resource allocation
Assuming you're staffing workers for a project where each worker can handle 25 units, and you need to assign 112 units. Here is how you can use the CEIL() function for this scenario.
SELECT CEIL(112 / 25) AS RequiredWorkers;
CEIL ensures you don't end up under-allocating resources; you'll always round up to cover the full demand.
Pagination in applications
When splitting records into pages, fractional pages don't make sense. For example, with 95 rows of data and 20 rows per page:
SELECT CEIL(95 / 20) AS TotalPages;
CEIL guarantees that even if the last page has fewer rows, it's still counted as a page.
To sum up, use CEIL in MySQL whenever fractional values would break the logic of your business process, whether it's preventing underbilling, ensuring enough capacity, or displaying data in neat, predictable chunks.
Simplify CEIL function queries with dbForge Studio for MySQL
No doubt, the MySQL CEIL function plays a crucial role in creating a high-performance database application; however, when working with a MySQL database, manually writing and testing the CEIL function in complex queries can be a hassle. This approach is not only prone to errors but also time-consuming. To ensure that your database performs effectively without spending time debugging errors from complex queries and testing functions, try dbForge Studio for MySQL.
There are many great features that make dbForge Studio for MySQL an efficient MySQL GUI tool. Here are some of them.
1. Intelligent SQL coding
If you are building an enterprise-level application, you will be writing different functions and complex queries. Trying to remember the syntax of each of these functions can be daunting, and here is where the dbForge intelligent SQL coding can help you. With this feature, once you start typing the SQL function you want to execute, the smart SQL coding suggests the function that matches your input, e.g., CEIL(). This functionality not only speeds up query writing but also reduces typos and syntax mistakes.
2. Live data preview
Testing the MySQL CEIL function is much easier with real-time data previews. As soon as you run your query, dbForge Studio shows results in a grid view; no need for trial-and-error loops at the command line. You can instantly see how values are rounded and make quick adjustments.
3. MySQL debugger and query profiler
Complex queries often mix CEIL() with other functions. However, with dbForge Studio for MySQL's debugging and query profiler tools, your query is correct and well-formatted. These features point out every misspelled query or incorrect command that can slow down performance even before execution. With these, your SQL queries are always cleaner and easier to read.
These functionalities are especially valuable for DBAs and teams collaborating on large scripts.
4. Data analysis and reporting
Sometimes you don't just want to see how CEIL works; you might also want to present it to your team members or stakeholders. dbForge Studio for MySQL allows you to visualize query results, export them to Excel or CSV, or build reports directly from your queries. This functionality makes abstract numeric transformations much more practical and business-friendly.
5. Clean, user-friendly environment
With its modern UI, dbForge Studio for MySQL removes the friction of working in a raw command line. Whether you are a developer, DBA, or analyst, you can focus on logic instead of syntax hassles, leading to faster development and fewer mistakes.
Download the free 30-day trial of dbForge Studio for MySQL and try rounding operations like CEIL in a visual, user-friendly interface.
Conclusion
The CEIL() function in MySQL is a reliable way to ensure numbers always round up, whether you're calculating billing hours, allocating resources, or structuring pagination logic. Unlike FLOOR(), which always rounds down, or ROUND(), which can go up or down depending on the decimal, CEIL guarantees predictable upward results, making it a go-to choice for financial, operational, and reporting use cases.
However, working with CEIL and other related functions in complex queries can be error-prone and time-consuming. To make your work faster and smarter, dbForge Studio for MySQL is your best bet. dbForge Studio for MySQL provides intelligent query building, live previews, and debugging tools that make working with CEIL and other functions seamless.
Download the dbForge Studio for MySQL and test CEIL with your datasets today.
FAQ
Yes, the CEIL (or CEILING) function has been available in MySQL for many years, and it works consistently across all supported versions.
Absolutely. You can apply CEIL directly to table columns in SELECT queries to normalize numeric values, for example:
SELECT CEIL(salary) FROM employees;
Yes. Regardless of whether the input is a decimal, float, or double, the MySQL CEIL function always returns a BIGINT value.
Yes. dbForge Studio for MySQL provides intelligent syntax highlighting and autocomplete for functions like CEIL, making queries more straightforward to write and read.
Yes. dbForge Studio for MySQL lets you run queries and instantly preview the results in a grid view, so you can see how CEIL affects your data in real time.
Yes. Query results, including those using CEIL, can be exported directly from dbForge Studio into formats like CSV, Excel, or SQL scripts.
Definitely, with its live preview, query builder, and debugging features, dbForge Studio for MySQL is an excellent tool for experimenting with CEIL and other MySQL functions.
You can write queries that include CEIL in calculated expressions, for example:
SELECT order_id, CEIL(total_amount / 12) AS MonthlyPayment FROM orders;
dbForge Studio for MySQL's code completion and live results make it easy to test and refine these queries.