Are SQL mathematical functions supported in all database systems?

Most SQL database systems support common mathematical functions like ABS, CEIL, FLOOR, and ROUND, but syntax and availability may vary slightly.

What is the difference between CEIL() and ROUND()?

CEIL() always rounds a number up to the nearest integer, while ROUND() rounds a number to the nearest integer or specified decimal places based on standard rounding rules.

Can I use mathematical functions on columns in a table?

Yes, you can apply mathematical functions to numeric columns in your tables within SELECT, WHERE, or other SQL clauses.

Topic 16912 min readStructured Tutorial

SQL Mathematical Functions - Complete Beginner Tutorial

Quick Answer

SQL mathematical functions allow you to perform numeric calculations directly within your queries. Functions like ABS, CEIL, FLOOR, and ROUND help manipulate numeric data efficiently, enabling powerful data analysis and transformation in SQL.

Learning Objectives

Understand the purpose of SQL mathematical functions.
Learn how to use common mathematical functions like ABS, CEIL, FLOOR, and ROUND.
Apply mathematical functions in SQL queries to manipulate numeric data.

Introduction

SQL provides a variety of built-in mathematical functions to perform calculations on numeric data directly within your queries.

These functions help you manipulate numbers, round values, and calculate absolute values, making data analysis easier and more efficient.

Mathematics is the language with which God has written the universe. – Galileo Galilei

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RPATechnology Team

Last Updated

June 2026

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User Defined Functions

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Common SQL Mathematical Functions

ABS() - Absolute Value

CEIL() or CEILING() - Round Up

FLOOR() - Round Down

ROUND() - Round to Specified Decimal Places

Examples of SQL Mathematical Functions

Practical Example

Examples

Best Practices

Common Mistakes

Hands-on Exercise

Calculate Absolute and Rounded Values

Interview Questions

What does the ABS() function do in SQL?

How do CEIL() and FLOOR() functions differ?

Can you specify decimal places in the ROUND() function?

MCQ Quiz

1. What does the SQL function ABS() do when applied to a numeric value?

2. Which SQL function would you use to round the number 4.2 up to 5?

3. If you want to round the number 4.8 down to the nearest integer in SQL, which function should you use?

4. How does the ROUND() function behave when used as ROUND(123.4567, 2) in SQL?

5. Which of the following is a common mistake when using SQL mathematical functions?

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

Are SQL mathematical functions supported in all database systems?

What is the difference between CEIL() and ROUND()?

Can I use mathematical functions on columns in a table?

Summary

INSTEAD OF Triggers

Trigger Events

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