Multiplication not working in numbers once I reference a cell from a different tab. Value is off. It is changing the basic math.

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Level 1

4 points

Multiplication not working in numbers once I reference a cell from a different tab. Value is off. It is changing the basic math.

So I have a simple form of multiplication on a tabulation sheet. Both factors of the multiplication problem are currently inputted manually. I am trying to not have to input one of the factors by referencing that cell to another on a different tab. But when I do it changes something and the multiplication goes wrong. Please help

Ive included screen shots of what im dealing with. Shot 1 is the basic multiplication. inputted manually and coming out correctly. Shot 2 is that same multiplication but with the dollar amount $4.25 referenced from another sheet and you can see how the multiplication product came out incorrect. Shot 3 is the sheet it was referenced from.

iMac 27", macOS 10.14

Posted on Apr 1, 2020 10:33 AM

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Answer 1

Barry

Level 9

60,023 points

Apr 25, 2020 12:50 PM in response to CGMPC

Hi CGMPC,

Scanning through some past pages, and noticed this one hadn't had a response. I remember glancing at it earlier, but not having time for a closer look.

Both multiplications are correct. They differ because they're not multiplying the same values.

I think the source of the difference is right here:

The amount shown in B52 is created by the formula shown in the box at the bottom of the image.

Working back from the two examples you provided in screenshots 1 and 2, it appears the value displayed in B52 is not the actual value contained in the cell. The displayed value is accurate only to hundredths of a dollar. The actual value (used in the multiplication) is slightly less than that, as shown below, in cell D3.

Wrapping the formula in B52 with ROUND should solve the issue.

You might also take a look at ROUNDUP and ROUNDDOWN. Similar functions, but with slightly different syntax and results.

Apologies for the delay in responding.

Regards,

Barry

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