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  1. #1
    ntambomvu is offline Advanced Beginner
    Windows 10 Access 2016
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    question onfield size ans format

    Hello Chaps - Please explain which format and field size to use in the following situation.



    I have a table with records recording sizes in mm.The sizes recorded are unlikely to exceed
    2000 mm and will always only have one decimal point ( for example 101.6 mm or 25.4 mm or
    1995.7mm)
    These sizes are later used in calculations of mass,volume area ( so it could be 101.6 * 3.1416(
    which gives circumference)) The result of the calculation will always be rounded to one decimal

    now i am puzzled do i use format fixed,standard or general number ??
    which field size do i need to select - long integer,single, double or decimal ??

    Your time and effort is much appreciated
    Best regards

    Fred from south africa ( its nice and warm in Johannesburg today)

  2. #2
    pbaldy's Avatar
    pbaldy is offline Who is John Galt?
    Windows XP Access 2007
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    I would use decimal or currency. Long integer and integer won't hold the decimal portion. Single and double are floating point numbers that can give unexpected results.
    Paul (wino moderator)
    MS Access MVP 2007-2019
    www.BaldyWeb.com

  3. #3
    Micron is offline Virtually Inert Person
    Windows 7 32bit Access 2007
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    Not trying to be argumentative, but here are dissenting opinions on the use of decimal:
    http://www.fmsinc.com/microsoftacces...type/index.htm
    http://allenbrowne.com/bug-08.html
    MS KB

    Can you elaborate on the issues with single and double? I'm curious.
    Last edited by Micron; 03-26-2017 at 01:15 PM. Reason: fix link
    The more we hear silence, the more we begin to think about our value in this universe.
    Paraphrase of Professor Brian Cox.

  4. #4
    pbaldy's Avatar
    pbaldy is offline Who is John Galt?
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    Since you referenced Allen I will too:

    http://allenbrowne.com/round.html#FloatingPointErrors

    Note the recommendation of Decimal.
    Paul (wino moderator)
    MS Access MVP 2007-2019
    www.BaldyWeb.com

  5. #5
    Micron is offline Virtually Inert Person
    Windows 7 32bit Access 2007
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    You need at least two more supporting arguments for a tie.
    Besides, it seems the preference for decimal at that page is only when you need more than 4 places after the decimal point?

Please reply to this thread with any new information or opinions.

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