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MOD.

Returns the remainder after a number is divided by a divisor.

SyntaxArgumentsExampleInteractive SandboxGeneratorCompatibilityFAQRelatedCheat Sheet
Category: Math & Arithmetic
ExcelExcel 365Excel 2021Excel 2019Google Sheets

How it works.

MOD returns the remainder from integer division. Commonly used to highlight alternating rows in conditional formatting or to compute remaining units.

Formula syntax.

Standard Excel Notation
=MOD(number, divisor)
Tip:Arguments wrapped in square brackets [like_this] are optional; all other arguments are required.

Formula arguments.

Every parameter accepted by the MOD function is detailed below.

numberRequired

The number for which you want to find the remainder.

Example value: A2
divisorRequired

The number to divide by.

Example value: B2

Simple example.

Step-by-Step Scenario

Packaging - Remainder Items Check

Find remaining items after packing into boxes of 12.

Total ItemsBox CapacityRemaining Items
5112—
12012—
Applied Formula
=MOD(A2, B2)
Expected Result:3

Evaluates MOD over the sample table cells, placing the verified output in cell C2.

Formula generator.

Full Generator Wizard

Customize the argument fields below to generate a tailored MOD formula ready to paste directly into your worksheet.

Generated FormulaReady to copy
=MOD()

Expected result behavior.

Returns number 3 based on sample evaluation criteria and active cell references.

Sample Output:3
Output Type:Numeric (Double/Integer)

Best Practices

  • Highlight zebra striping in conditional formatting: =MOD(ROW(), 2) = 0.

Common Mistakes

  • Dividing by zero returns a #DIV/0! error.
Compatibility Database

Platform & version compatibility.

Verified platform compatibility matrix based on actual spreadsheet calculation engine specifications.

Excel✓
Supported
Excel 365✓
Supported
Excel 2021✓
Supported
Excel 2019✓
Supported
Google Sheets✓
Supported
Microsoft Excel History & Version Availability

Core standard function supported across all modern and legacy Microsoft Excel versions (365, 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010), as well as Excel for the Web and Mac.

Google Sheets Compatibility Notes

100% compatible with Google Sheets. Uses identical argument order, data types, and standard calculation logic.

Frequently asked questions.

Technical Q&A
Can I use MOD across different worksheets in Excel?↓

Yes. You can reference cells located on other sheets by including the sheet name followed by an exclamation mark, for example: =MOD(Sheet2!A2:A10). If the sheet name contains spaces, enclose it in single quotes: ='Q1 Report'!A2:A10.

What is the most common reason for errors in MOD?↓

Dividing by zero returns a #DIV/0! error.

Does MOD work identically in Google Sheets?↓

Yes, MOD is supported in both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets with standard evaluation behavior.