Expert: Lynn Houston - 12/28/2010

Question
Dear Lynn Houston,

Im having a bit of trouble in rounding prices but I'm willing to get better understanding on how to be able to round prices to the nearest  dollar, nearest 50 cents. I would just like to get as many examples as possible.

Sincerly,
oksana gula

Answer
Simple rule of thumb is if it's greater than 1/2 of what you're rounding to, round up, less than half, round down.  So, if you're rounding to the 10's, if the 1's digit is greater than 5 round up, less than 5 round down.  If you're rounding to the 100's, if the number your rounding is greater than 50,round up, less than 50, round down.  Rounding to 1000's, more than 500, round up, less than 500, round down, etc.  If you're rounding to the nearest 50, if it's more than 25, round up, less than 25, round down.  So 643 would round up to 650.  613 would round down to 600.  If the number you're rounding is exactly have, then you can go either way, up or down.