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# How to Round Numbers in SQL: A Comprehensive Guide
## Rounding Numbers in SQL for Data Accuracy
When working with numerical data in SQL databases, precise control over decimal places is crucial for accurate reporting and calculations. SQL provides powerful built-in functions for rounding numbers that can help you achieve the exact precision your application requires.
## The Solution: Using ROUND() Function
The most efficient solution is to use the ROUND() function, a built-in SQL feature that handles decimal precision. This versatile function accepts two primary arguments: the number you want to round and the number of decimal places you want to round to. For example, to round the number 3.14159 to two decimal places, use this query:
```sql
SELECT ROUND(3.14159, 2);
```
This query will return the precise result of 3.14.
## Practical Examples in Real-World Scenarios
Let's explore some practical examples using real-world data. Consider a table called sales containing the following financial data:
product price
------------------
Widget 3.14159
Gadget 2.71828
To format these prices for accounting purposes with two decimal places, execute the following query:
```sql
SELECT product, ROUND(price, 2) AS formatted_price FROM sales;
```
This query produces these professionally formatted results:
product formatted_price
------------------
Widget 3.14
Gadget 2.72
## Additional Technical Information
The ROUND() function is universally supported across all major database management systems, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQL Server. While the core functionality remains consistent, implementation details may vary slightly between different database engines. For optimal performance and accuracy, always consult your specific database's documentation for best practices.
Remember that rounding operations can be combined with other SQL functions for more complex calculations and data transformations. 🎯
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