Excel calculation error on subtraction

D

David Jenssen

The following formula in Excel2003/2007 does not give a zero-result, but it
should do so:
=1595.99-1054.9-541.09-0

If i skip the subtraction of zero at the end, everything works fine, but the
result of 1595.99-1054.9-541.09 equals 0 and subtracting 0 from 0 should also
give 0 as the result. The result displayed in Excel in this case is
-1.13687E-13.

Other calculations subtracting 0 at the end give similar results, for example
=1109.26-906.55-202.71 gives 0 as result, but =1109.26-906.55-202.71-0 gives
2.84217E-14 as result, which is close to 0, but not the same as 0, which is
pretty annoying.

My calculations are taken from a spreadsheet where i have a set of invoices
where i have a total for the paid amount and try to check if the paid amount
equals the invoiced amount by subtracting the invoiced amounts from the paid
amount. I expect to have 0 as difference when the invoice is paid, not these
small numbers.

David


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C

CLR

It also performs as you describe in Excel 97, and Excel 2000. Of course
there are workarounds if you really need that sort of sequence, but you
shouldn't have to.

Vaya con Dios,
Chuck, CABGx3
 

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