The MOD function, short for modulo or modulus, divides numbers in Excel. However, unlike regular division, the MOD function only gives the remainder as an answer. Uses for this function in Excel include combining it with conditional formatting to produce alternate row and column shading, which makes it easier to read large blocks of data.

MOD Function Syntax and Arguments

A function’s syntax refers to the layout of the function and includes the function’s name, brackets, and arguments.

The information in this article applies to Excel for Microsoft 365, Excel 2019, Excel 2016, Excel 2013, Excel 2010, and Excel for Mac.

The syntax for the MOD function is:

MOD(Number, Divisor)

Number is the number being divided and Divisor is the number by which you want to divide the Number argument. The Number argument can be a number entered directly into the function or a cell reference to the location of the data in a worksheet.

The MOD function returns the #DIV/0! error value for the following conditions:

  • If a zero is entered for the Divisor argument.If a cell reference to a blank cell is entered for the Divisor argument.

Use Excel’s MOD Function

Enter data into the cells. To follow along with this tutorial, enter 5 in cell D1 and enter 2 in cell D2.

  • Select cell E1. This is where the results will display.
  • Select the Formulas tab.
  • Choose Math & Trig to open a drop-down list.
  • Select MOD to open the Function Arguments dialog box.
  • In the dialog box, place the cursor in the Number text box.
  • Select cell D1 on the worksheet.
  • In the dialog box, place the cursor in the Divisor text box.
  • Select cell D2 on the worksheet.
  • Select OK in the dialog box.
  • The answer 1 appears in cell E1 (5 divided by 2 leaves a remainder of 1).
  • Select cell E1 to see the complete function, =MOD( D1,D2), in the formula bar above the worksheet.

Since the MOD function only returns the remainder, the integer portion of the division operation (2) is not displayed. To show the integer as part of the answer, use the QUOTIENT function.

Select cell E1. This is where the results will display.

Select the Formulas tab.

Choose Math & Trig to open a drop-down list.

Select MOD to open the Function Arguments dialog box.

In the dialog box, place the cursor in the Number text box.

Select cell D1 on the worksheet.

In the dialog box, place the cursor in the Divisor text box.

Select cell D2 on the worksheet.

Select OK in the dialog box.

The answer 1 appears in cell E1 (5 divided by 2 leaves a remainder of 1).

Select cell E1 to see the complete function, =MOD( D1,D2), in the formula bar above the worksheet.

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