Microsoft KB Archive/61926

Works: Math Errors When Formatting Decimal Places PSS ID Number: Q61926 Article last modified on 05-22-1990 PSS database name: D_WorKs

1.00 1.05 2.00

MS-DOS

Summary:

Mathematical errors using decimals can occur in the Works Spreadsheet or Database when a cell or field is formatted for a certain number of decimal places.

For example, a cell formatted at two decimals shows the number “2.12” even though the number generated may be “2.12345”.

When mathematical calculations are performed on these cells, the entire number as calculated could equal 4.25 if both of the numbers were actually 2.12345 (the number actually equals 4.2469, which rounds to 4.25)

This problem can be solved in the Spreadsheet or Database by rounding the numbers in their respective cells or fields with the round function. Using the round function rounds the entire number and truncates all digits beyond the number that it is rounded to.

The syntax of the round function is as follows:

=round(x,number of places)

To view the entire number (for example, 2.12345), pull down the Format menu and select Field Width. Increase the width to view the extended number.

The round function is described on Page 335 of the “Microsoft Works Reference” version 2.00 manual, and on Page 249 of the “Microsoft Works Reference” version 1.05 manual.

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1990.