Math & Trig
ODD Function in Excel
Rounds a number up to the nearest odd integer.
Syntax
- =ODD(number)
Arguments
- number (required): Number to round
Examples
- =ODD(1.5) - Round up to odd - Result: 3
- =ODD(2) - Round 2 up to odd - Result: 3
ODD in reporting workflows
- Use absolute references when copying formulas across rows.
- For conditional totals see [SUMIF](/functions/sumif/) and [SUMIFS](/functions/sumifs/).
- Filtered lists may need [SUBTOTAL](/functions/subtotal/) instead of SUM on visible cells only.
Common errors
- Rounds away from zero for negatives
Use cases
- Rounding
- Calculations
- Formatting
Frequently asked questions
- What is ODD used for in Excel? ODD rounds numbers UP to the nearest odd integer. ODD(1.5)=3, ODD(2)=3, ODD(3)=3. Less commonly used than EVEN, but helpful when you need odd quantities or odd-numbered groupings.
- How does ODD handle negative numbers? ODD rounds away from zero: ODD(-1.5)=-3, ODD(-2)=-3. Like EVEN, it increases the absolute value to the next odd number. ODD(-3)=-3 since -3 is already odd.
- How do I round to the nearest odd number (not just up)? ODD always rounds up. For nearest odd: =IF(MOD(ROUND(A1,0),2)=0, ROUND(A1,0)+SIGN(A1), ROUND(A1,0)). This rounds to nearest integer, then adjusts to odd if result is even.
Editorial review
- Reviewed by Excel.Directory Editorial Team. Updated May 2026.
When to use ODD
- Rounding — common Math & Trig scenario for ODD.
- Calculations — common Math & Trig scenario for ODD.
- Formatting — common Math & Trig scenario for ODD.
ODD in the Math & Trig category
- Browse all Math & Trig functions at /categories/math-trig/ for related formulas.
- ODD syntax: =ODD(number)
- number (required): Number to round
- Confirm ODD arguments match the syntax shown above before filling down.
- Lock table and range references with $ when copying formulas across rows or sheets.
Formula checklist before you copy down
- Confirm ODD arguments match the syntax shown above before filling down.
- Lock table and range references with $ when copying formulas across rows or sheets.
- If results look wrong, check for text stored as numbers and invisible spaces with TRIM.
- Spot-check three known input rows manually against expected output.
Related Excel functions
- EVEN (/functions/even/): Rounds a number up to the nearest even integer.
- CEILING (/functions/ceiling/): Rounds a number up to the nearest multiple of significance.
- ROUND (/functions/round/): Rounds a number to a specified number of digits.
Errors to watch for
- Rounds away from zero for negatives — review causes on linked error pages in the directory.
Copy-paste audit workflow
- Enter ODD on three test rows with known expected output documented on a QA tab.
- Fill down only after absolute references are locked on lookup tables and rate tables.
- Compare against manual calculation or a calculator for financial and statistical functions.
- Search this directory for comparison guides when choosing between similar functions in the same category.
ODD worked examples to copy
- =ODD(1.5) — Round up to odd. Expected result: 3.
- =ODD(2) — Round 2 up to odd. Expected result: 3.
ODD reference summary for crawlers and offline review
- ODD belongs to the Math & Trig category in Excel. Rounds a number up to the nearest odd integer.
- Full syntax: =ODD(number). Open /functions/odd/ for parameters, FAQs, and related pages.
- Common mistakes: Rounds away from zero for negatives
- Pair this function with comparison guides when another Excel formula might fit the same task better.
- Review fix-excel-formula-errors when unexpected errors appear after upgrading Excel or sharing across locales.