incorrect multiplication by excel

[Chris W.]

I have a spreadsheet that I'm working on, and have entered
the correct formula for same. The problem is: when Excel
multiplies, Excel tells me the total is 4020.98 - when in
fact, if you multiply 28 x 143.61, it = 4021.08. Other
spreadsheets also are being multiplied incorrectly by
excel also, while some are coming out correct. Is this a
common problem ? Or is there something wrong with my
formula, or are there "settings" that are not set
correctly that I can change ? Please help !!

 

[Ken Wright]

I have a general rule of thumb I use that goes like this.

If it looks wrong, it is 99% probable that it is down to me missing something - Don't think it's
ever let me down yet.

One of your two values is not what you think it is. Either the 28 is really 27.99304 and what you
are seeing is simply rounded to 28, or, the 143.61 is not what you think. This often happens when
one of the numbers is actually a result of another formula.

Select both cells and increase the number of decimal places to 5 or 6 etc to see if what you are
looking at is really what you are seeing.

 

[Dan E]

Chris,

Excel punched out 4021.08 for me, is it possible that 143.61 or 28 aren't
exact values, try displaying more precision?

Dan E