Excel error in converting decimal to fraction

[Raptor]

In Excel 2007 I found that if I add the decimal equivalents of 1/2 and 1/16
(.5000 + .0625) I should get a fraction of 9/16. But, the displayed value is
4/7 which is off by approximately .009 Doesn't sound like much but this
would not be acceptable for someone who works as a machinist or die maker.

Here's what my cell formula looks like.
=(1/16) + (1/2)

Since the decimal equivalent of both of these fractions do not exceed 4
decimal places, I would think Excel should be able to figure out this is 9/16
exactly.

Anyone know why this happens?

 

[Tone]

In Excel 2007 I found that if I add the decimal equivalents of 1/2 and 1/16
(.5000 + .0625) I should get a fraction of 9/16.  But, the displayed value is
4/7 which is off by approximately .009   Doesn't sound like much but this
would not be acceptable for someone who works as a machinist or die maker..

Here's what my cell formula looks like.
=(1/16) + (1/2)

Since the decimal equivalent of both of these fractions do not exceed 4
decimal places, I would think Excel should be able to figure out this is 9/16
exactly.

Anyone know why this happens?

What format have you chosen for the answer? On 2003, you need to
choose the "up to two" or "Up to three" digits option. Looks like
you've restricted it to 1 digit and hence got 4/7.

T

 

[Niek Otten]

If you format the cell as Fraction, Up to two digits, you get your required 9/16

--
Kind regards,

Niek Otten
Microsoft MVP - Excel

| In Excel 2007 I found that if I add the decimal equivalents of 1/2 and 1/16
| (.5000 + .0625) I should get a fraction of 9/16. But, the displayed value is
| 4/7 which is off by approximately .009 Doesn't sound like much but this
| would not be acceptable for someone who works as a machinist or die maker.
|
| Here's what my cell formula looks like.
| =(1/16) + (1/2)
|
| Since the decimal equivalent of both of these fractions do not exceed 4
| decimal places, I would think Excel should be able to figure out this is 9/16
| exactly.
|
| Anyone know why this happens?

 

[Ron Rosenfeld]

In Excel 2007 I found that if I add the decimal equivalents of 1/2 and 1/16
(.5000 + .0625) I should get a fraction of 9/16. But, the displayed value is
4/7 which is off by approximately .009 Doesn't sound like much but this
would not be acceptable for someone who works as a machinist or die maker.

Here's what my cell formula looks like.
=(1/16) + (1/2)

Since the decimal equivalent of both of these fractions do not exceed 4
decimal places, I would think Excel should be able to figure out this is 9/16
exactly.

Anyone know why this happens?

The correct answer is in the cell.

What you are seeing is the result of your having formatted the cell to show
fractions with only a single digit in the denominator.
--ron