The **`CEIL()` function** returns the nearest smallest integer that is greater than or equal to a number. Some database servers use the `CEILING()` function, which is equivalent to the `CEIL()` function. Figure 1 shows the mathematical representation of the `CEIL()` function.

# Syntax
```sql
CEIL(number)
CEILING(number)
```
# Parameter
This function requires a number or a numeric value as a parameter.

# Return Value
`CEIL()` returns the nearest smallest integer that is greater than or equal to a number sent as a parameter.

# Example


/*example showing how to use CEIL(X)*/

-- positive number
select CEIL(3.13);

-- negative number
select CEIL(-2.78);


Now, consider another example in which the teacher wants to round up the marks of the students. 

The figure below shows the student table, followed by the query that rounds up the marks.

Students

/*Query returns the marks of all the students after 
applying CEIL() */

select studentID, studentName, CEIL(studentMarks) as studentMarks
from Students

What is CEIL() in SQL?

CEIL() returns the smallest integer ≥ a given number. Equivalent to CEILING() in some databases.

*Student ID*	*Student Name*	*Student Marks*
1	David	22.5
2	Luiss	20.14
3	Harvey	15.3
4	Lucy	25
5	Andrew	10.7