Entering Fractions in the Works for Windows Database (76444)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Works 2.0
  • Microsoft Works 2.0a
  • Microsoft Works 3.0
This article was previously published under Q76444

SUMMARY

Works 3.0 for Windows and Works 4.0, 4.5, and 4.5a for Windows 95 support a fraction number format. If you enter a fraction such as 3/8 in the Database, it interprets the value as a date or as text. To correctly enter a fraction below the value of 1, add a leading zero, for example, 0 3/8.

Works 2.x for Windows does not support the fraction format; however, the following workaround can be used to display fractions in Works 2.x in the decimal format.

MORE INFORMATION

To display fractions in a decimal format in Works for Windows version 2.x:

  1. Create three fields, one for the numerator (for example, Num), one for the denominator (for example, Denom), and one for the value of the number in decimal form (for example, Decimal).
  2. In the Form screen, enter the following equation for the Decimal field:

    =Num/Denom

  3. Enter the fraction by entering the denominator in the Denom field and the numerator in the Num field. The Decimal field will now hold the value of the number in decimal form.
A variation of the formula in step 2 above is:

=IF(Denom<>0, Num/Denom, NA())

The above formula will display "N/A" rather than "ERR" in the Decimal field until you enter a denominator.

If one of the field entries is already in decimal format, enter it in the Decimal field. If you later want to enter it as a fraction, do the following:

  1. Enter the denominator and numerator in the appropriate fields.
  2. From the Edit menu, choose Clear to clear the Decimal field.
The above procedure will display the new decimal value reflecting the numerator and denominator you just entered.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/6/2003
Keywords:KB76444
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.