SQL CEIL() function

CEIL() function

SQL CEIL() function is used to get the smallest integer which is greater than, or equal to, the specified numeric expression.

Syntax:

CEIL(expression)

Parameters:

MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle

All of above platforms support the SQL syntax of CEIL().

SQL CEIL() function: Pictorial presentation

SQL CEIL() function on positive value

To get the ceiling or nearest rounded up value of 17.36 from the DUAL table , the following SQL statement can be used :

SELECT(CEIL(17.36)) 
FROM dual; 

Output:

(CEIL(17.36))
-------------
           18

Example:

To get the ceiling or nearest rounded up value of -17.36 from the DUAL table, the following SQL statement can be used :

SELECT CEIL(-17.36) 
FROM dual;

Output:

CEIL(-17.36)
------------
         -17

SQL CEIL() function with distinct

Sample table : agents

To get the unique ceiling or nearest rounded up value of the column 'commission' after multiplying by 75 from the 'agents' table, the following SQL statement can be used :

SELECT DISTINCT(CEIL(commission*75)) "DISTINCT(CEIL())" 
FROM agents;

Output:

DISTINCT(CEIL())
----------------
              11
              10
               9
              12

SQL: Comparing between CEIL() and FLOOR() function

Note: Outputs of the said SQL statement shown here is taken by using Oracle Database 10g Express Edition.

Here is a slide presentation which covers the SQL arithmetic functions.

Check out our 1000+ SQL Exercises with solution and explanation to improve your skills.

Previous: ABS
Next: FLOOR