Rounding Rules for

Texas Womans University College of Nursing

Using decimal points
Remember:
If the number is < 1, use a zero (0) to the
Do not place extra zeros (0) to right of the
left of the decimal
decimal point.
Ex: 0.3 0.4 0.6
Basic rounding
If the number is 5 then round up

Ex: 1.000 = 1
Remember:
Round at the end of the problem

Ex: 1.57 = 1.6 1.45 =1.5

*Exception: concerning pounds to kgs.

Always convert and round to nearest 10th
then complete the problem.

If the number is < 5 then round down

Ex: 0.543 = 0.54
0.952 = 0.95
Tablets
Tablets, as a rule, can only be given whole
or broken in half (if scored). Round to the
nearest half (0.5)
Ex: 1.45 tablets = 1.5 tablets
1.2 tablets = 1 tablet
Milliliters (mLs)
If the answer is < 1 mLs round to the
nearest 100th (2 places)

Weights: Converting pounds to kilograms

Converting pounds to kilograms:
Round to nearest 10th
Ex: 120 pounds = 0.54 or 0.5 kg (5000
grams)
Units and Drops (gtts)
Units and drops are too small to divide into
parts. Always round to nearest whole
number.

Ex: 0.429 mLs =0.43 mLs

If answer is 1 mLs round to the nearest
10th (1 place).

Ex: 14.2 units = 14

14.6 units = 15

Ex: 18.3 gtts = 18 gtts

18.7 gtts = 19 gtts
IV calculation
Intravenous infusion can be calculated in drops per minute (gtts/min), milliliters per
hours (ml/h), Units per hour (u/h); micrograms/minute
Ex: 1.58 mLs = 1.6 mLs

For the College of Nursing Testing: When calculating intravenous infusion rate, round
the answer to whole numbers
1. round drops (gtts) and units (u) to whole numbers
18.8 gtts = 19 gtts
15.4 units = 15 units
2 round mLs to whole numbers
Ex: 62.5 mLs/h = 63 mLs/h
33.3 mLs/h = 33 mLs/h
*Newer IV infusion pumps can deliver tenths of a milliliter per hour (62.5 mLs). In the
clinical area infusion rate may be rounded to nearest 10 th.
*TWU Calculation policy: 2005 Form adapted from University of Arkansas College of Nursing Handbook