Works: Mortgage Analysis TaskWizard Errors Caused by Rounding (151466)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Works 3.0
  • Microsoft Works 3.0a
  • Microsoft Works 3.0b
  • Microsoft Works 4.5
  • Microsoft Works 4.5a
  • Microsoft Works for Windows 95, version 4.0
  • Microsoft Works for Windows 95, version 4.0 4.0a
This article was previously published under Q151466

SYMPTOMS

When you create a spreadsheet document or use TaskWizards or templates, such as the Mortgage and Loan Analysis, from any of the versions of Works listed at the beginning of this article, you may discover some of the amounts calculated appear to be off by one cent.

CAUSE

Internal rounding will cause this when the computer calculates totals within the document. If the third significant digit in a number is .005 or higher, a cell formatted to display two decimal places rounds up one digit or cent. Since the calculations are done on the actual number, the internal calculations are correct even though the displayed amount may be off by one cent.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

  1. Open the Taskwizard (or template) for the Mortgage and Loan Analysis spreadsheet. Click on the Standard Loan.

    NOTE: In Works 4.0, 4.0a, 4.5, and 4.5a the Taskwizard is located under the Business Management and/or Household Management section.

    In Works 3.0x it is located under AutoStart Personal group, Personal Finances category.
  2. Enter the following into the sheet:

    Amount Financed (H4)1000.00 (dollars)
    Annual Interest (H5)8.25 (percent)
    Duration of Loan (H6)1 (year)
    Start date of Loan (H7)1/96 (changes to long date format in 4.0)


    NOTE: In Works 3.0x, Amount Financed is titled "Principal' and the cell references are G4, G5, and so on.
  3. In Works 4.0, 4.0a, 4.5, and 4.5a, highlight columns A-H in rows 21 -29.

    In Works 3.0x, highlight columns A-G in rows 19 - 29.
  4. On the Edit menu, click Fill Down.

    NOTE: In Works 4.0, 4.0a, 4.5, and 4.5a, Cell H29 shows the accumulated principal correctly (1000.00)
  5. Add the accumulated interest in G21 (24.18) with the interest from the next payment in D22 (4.65).

    The value in G22 should be 28.83, however it displays as 28.82, off by .01

    If you format cells D18-D29 and G18-G29 to display 7 decimal places, and add cells G21 and D22, the value in G22 is correct(28.82).

    NOTE: In works 4.0, 4.0a, 4.5, and 4.5a the same issue applies to cells H19-H29 (Accumulated Principal) and E18-E29 (Principal).
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/15/2004
Keywords:kbprb KB151466
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