Rounding errors

[MN_Excel]

I am multiplying by a % and putting the result in column C and comparing that do column D. In short, Column E is Column C-Column D. However the total of Column E if I use the sum function doens't equal the total of Column C less total of Column D. The difference is small and doesn't appear until probably the 8th decimal place, but it is causing headaches for what we are trying to do. I know one option is to select "display precision" but I'm hesitant to go that route. Any other ideas on how to ensure there is no roudning difference?

Thanks

 

[shg]

Wrap the formula in round, e.g.,

=round(your formula, 2)

 

[MN_Excel]

That's exactly what I have done to resolve, but I'm confused why I would have to manually do that. It just seems as though excel is being inconsitent because the sum of the items in column E should always equal sum of Column C less sum of Column D.

Regardless, the rounding function works. Thanks for your help!

 

[shg]

You computer uses a binary floating point representation that can't store many decimal values (e.g., 0.1) exactly, so you get small errors in arithmetic operations.