SQLite ceil() Function

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Summary: in this tutorial, you will learn how to use the SQLite ceil() function to return an integer greater than or equal to the input number.

Introduction to the SQLite ceil() function #

In SQLite, the ceil() function rounds the input number to an integer greater than or equal to the input number.

Here’s the syntax of the ceil() function:

ceil(x)Copy

In this syntax:

• x is the input number that you want to round. x can be a literal number, an expression, or a table column.

If x is positive, the ceil() function rounds away from zero. If x is negative, the ceil() function rounds toward zero.

The ceil() function returns NULL if x is null.

The ceiling() and ceil() are synonyms so you can use them interchangeably.

SQLite ceil() function examples #

Let’s take some examples of using the ceil() function.

1) Using ceil() function with positive number #

The following example uses the ceil() function to round a positive number away from zero:

SELECT ceil(0.4) result;Copy

Output:

result
------
1.0Copy

In this example, the input number is 0.5, therefore the ceil() function rounds the number away from zero, resulting in one.

2) Using ceil() function with negative number #

The following example uses the ceil() function to round a positive number toward zero:

SELECT ceil(-2.5) result;Copy

Output:

result
------
-2.0Copy

In this example, the input number is –2.5 so the ceil function rounds it toward zero, resulting in –2.0

3) Using ceil() function with table data #

We’ll use the tracks table from the sample database for the demonstration.

The following example uses the ceil() function to round the average track’s length to a number:

SELECT CEIL(AVG(milliseconds/60000)) average_length
FROM tracks;Copy

Output:

average_length
--------------
7.0Copy

Summary #

• Use the ceil() function to return a number greater than or equal to the input number.