Excel calculates incorrectly - this may be the reason
If you have problems with Excel, because it obviously does the wrong calculation, we will show you what it can be and how you can solve the problem.
1. Excel calculates incorrectly - correct cells selected?
The most common problem why Excel calculates incorrectly is that the wrong cells are selected. Therefore, check whether you have entered the correct cells in the formula.
- With "= SUM (A3; A4; A5)" you just add the three cells A3 + A4 + A5.
- With "= SUM (A3: A50)" you add all values of column A from cell 3 to cell 50.
- With "= SUM (A3: F3)" all values of row 3 from A to F are added.
2. Excel calculates incorrectly - rounding errors
The bigger problem that Excel often poses when adding is rounding errors. The individual values result in a different sum than Excel calculated. Excel first rounds each individual value from the 15th digit and then adds the rounded values. This results in a significant rounding error in the sum.
- Open the "Formulas" tab. There you will find the "Calculation" area.
- Select "Settings" and then "Calculation options".
- A new dialog window opens in which you activate the checkmark at "Define accuracy as displayed". Important: If you activate the option, all specified decimal places are adopted. If you have not entered more precise decimal places, these will be neglected.
- Don't forget to confirm with OK. This should solve the problem of rounding errors.
By the way: You can also add times in Excel.