Excel calculations off by a 'fraction of a decimal'

**mehmetcik** · 07-22-2014, 06:38 PM

There is an option in excel, Set Precision as displayed, under advanced settings.

Try using that.

**Ron Coderre** · 07-22-2014, 07:00 PM

Just be aware that using the "Set precision as displayed" option changes the actual values (not just the displayed values). That can introduce a whole other class of errors in a workbook.

**joeu2004** · 07-22-2014, 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by mehmetcik

There is an option in excel, Set Precision as displayed, under advanced settings. Try using that.

Setting "Precision as displayed" (PAD) is a dangerous idea. Usually, it is a bad idea.

It should never be suggested without a long list of caveats.

Topping the list: make a copy of the Excel file before experimenting with PAD, since setting PAD might change constants irreversibly if the format of the cell has less precision than the constant value.