incorrect formula result in 2003

[tennisnut]

I am using Excel 2003 SP3 on an XP workstation.

Several times I have simple formulas (i.e., adding a few rows of numbers in
a column), using whole numbers, no decimal points, and the result excel gives
is incorrect. For example, 4063+4063+2313+1563++1250=13,252, but excel gives
a result of 13,250.

Any idea why it sometimes is incorrect? I'd llike to be able to trust the
calculations.

And, please, I am not a techie, so speak slowly.

 

[Gary''s Student]

You are correct, the correct answer is 13252. Both you and Excel tell me the
same thing.

 

[Joe User]

Several times I have simple formulas (i.e., adding a few rows of numbers
in
a column), using whole numbers, no decimal points, and the result excel
gives
is incorrect. For example, 4063+4063+2313+1563++1250=13,252, but excel
gives a result of 13,250.

Not the case when I enter that as a formula.

I'm sure the problem is with your assumptions. You say you have "whole
numbers, no decimal points". That might be what is __displayed__. But I
wonder if the actual values in some cells have fractional values.

Try formatting all cells involved as Number with 2 or more decimal places.

If you still have doubts, please post the formulas and all constants used.
Use copy-and-paste. Do not think that you can simply reproduce what is
displayed.

I'd llike to be able to trust the calculations.

Actually, you can't! At least, not with numbers that might have decimal
fractions (e.g. dollars and cents).

It is prudent to use ROUND prolifically, albeit with discretion. For
example, I would not round a formula that computes a daily interest rate.

Note: I would __not__ use the "Precision as displayed" calculation option.
It can have unexpected results, which are sometimes irreversible. If you
choose to experiment with it, be sure to make a backup copy of the Excel
file first.


----- original message -----

 

[Ron Rosenfeld]

I am using Excel 2003 SP3 on an XP workstation.

Several times I have simple formulas (i.e., adding a few rows of numbers in
a column), using whole numbers, no decimal points, and the result excel gives
is incorrect. For example, 4063+4063+2313+1563++1250=13,252, but excel gives
a result of 13,250.

Any idea why it sometimes is incorrect? I'd llike to be able to trust the
calculations.

And, please, I am not a techie, so speak slowly.

The most common reason for this kind of question is that you only think you are
adding integers because the cells are formatted to display numbers that way.

However, formatting does not change the contents of the cells. So when you add
them, Excel is adding the actual values, and not the formatted values.

This can happen if your data (the numbers you are adding up), are the results
of formulas.

If you want to add what you see, rather than the contents of the cells, you
will either have to use the "precision as displayed" option (which will change
the actual stored values throughout your worksheet), or use the ROUND function
appropriately.
--ron