EVEN

Rounds a number up, away from zero, to the next even integer.

Syntax:

EVEN(number)

returns number rounded to the next even integer up, away from zero.

Example:

EVEN(2.3)

returns 4.

EVEN(2)

returns 2.

EVEN(0)

returns 0.

EVEN(-0.5)

returns -2.

Application:

Ordering Parts for Assembly

Imagine a company that manufactures bicycles. They order parts in batches, and one crucial component, the bicycle grips, must always be ordered in pairs (one for each handlebar). A manager is using a spreadsheet to calculate the number of grips to order based on the number of bicycles planned for production.

The production plan is sometimes for an odd number of bikes due to special orders or trial runs. However, since grips are only sold in pairs, they need to ensure the order quantity is always an even number to avoid having a single, leftover grip. The EVEN function is perfect for this.

Table:

	Bicycles to Produce	Formula	Grips to Order
	A	B	C
1	50	EVEN(50)	50
2	51	EVEN(51)	52
3	47	EVEN(47)	48
4	62	EVEN(62)	62
5	55.5	EVEN(55.5)	56

Explanation:

Row 1: The company plans to produce 50 bicycles. Since 50 is already an even number, the EVEN function returns 50. The company orders 50 grips (25 pairs).
Row 2: The production plan calls for 51 bicycles. Since 51 is an odd number, the EVEN function rounds it up to the nearest even integer, which is 52. The company orders 52 grips (26 pairs), leaving one extra pair for future use or to account for potential defects.
Row 3: With a plan for 47 bicycles, the EVEN function rounds the number up to 48. The company orders 48 grips (24 pairs).
Row 4: The number of bicycles is 62, which is already even. The EVEN function returns 62.
Row 5: Even if the number is a decimal, like 55.5, the EVEN function will round it up to the next even integer, 56, ensuring a whole, even number of grips is ordered.

This simple use of the EVEN function in a spreadsheet ensures that the company's order quantities for paired items are always consistent with their packaging and ordering requirements, preventing logistical issues and waste.