The following table has two columns, one autonumber and another a Single number datatype. I made this query so I had access to the Sum function. As you can see, it's working just fine here.
Here's what it looks like after changing 4 into 4.4. Notice the total.
I tried to do some research on this issue, and I see that the first 7 digits to the right of the decimal are always accurate... apparently the Single datatype has a maximum of 7 significant digits. But what I can't figure out is:
1) Where in blazes are the trailing 6 digits coming from?
2a) If "Single" can't hold the number 10.4, what on earth can it hold? Why even use Single?
2b) Is there a way to cut off the other trailing digits somehow? Would you even care to?
3) Everything works great when I switch to a "Double" datatype. My concern is, once the numbers get complex, will Double have this same problem?
4) Most importantly: I want a column that will store my formula for a chemical. 28.5% resin, 1.75% catalyst, 55% Powder filler A.... what datatype is ideal for this? never more than three digits to the right of the decimal.
Thank you for any insight. Sorry if the inline graphics fill up your entire screen, not sure why screenshots scale like that on this forum,
Matt