How to Round a Number to Thousands?
Rounding means simplifying a number by writing it with fewer significant digits while keeping its value close to what it originally was.
A rounded number is less precise (introduces an error) but easier to use in practice.
Most often, rounding a number to thousands refers to mathematical rounding to the nearest thousand.
Mathematical rounding to the nearest thousand
Mathematical rounding to the nearest thousand means rounding the number to the nearest thousand, where the absolute difference with this number is minimal.
Rules for Rounding to Thousands
Let’s consider the rules of mathematical rounding to the nearest thousand in a simple and accessible way:
Thousands place:
- Remains unchanged if the digit in the hundreds place is less than 5. (0; 1; 2; 3; 4)
- Increases by 1 if the digit in the hundreds place is 5 or greater. (5; 6; 7; 8; 9)
Example:
4673.45785 ≈ 5000 — rounding to thousands
4 — thousands place;
6 — hundreds place.
Simple Examples:
Round the number 3173.3 to thousands:
3173.3 ≈ 3000 because the digit in the hundreds place (1) is less than 5.
Round the number 31222 to thousands:
31222 ≈ 31000 because the digit in the hundreds place (2) is less than 5.
Round the number 12553 to thousands:
12553 ≈ 13000 because the digit in the hundreds place (5) is equal to 5.