chump

I want to store a decimal number (i.e. 8.5 or 11.4) in a mySQL database but I'm unsure what datatype to use and can't figure it out. Whatever I choose it rounds the figure up.

Can anyone suggest what I need to do?

Chump

Mickle

float, double, decimal

FLOAT [(M,D)]
A FLOAT represents small decimal numbers, used when a somewhat more precise representation of a number is required.

ex.
rainfall FLOAT (4,2);
This could be used to represent rainfall average in centimeters per year, which could be a decimal value. More specifically, FLOAT (4,2) states the fact that rainfall can hold up to four characters and two decimal places. Thus,

42.35 is valid, accurately represented.
324.45 is invalid, rounded to 324.5.
2.2 is valid, accurately represented.
34.542 is invalid, rounded to 34.54.

Note: Due to the fact that FLOAT is rounded, those wishing to represent money values would find it wise to use DECIMAL, a datatype found within MySQL that does not round values. Consult the documentation for a complete explanation.


http://dev.mysql.com/tech-resources/...datatypes.html

Dream Weaver

Double is also fine for currency, or as above Decimal(10,2), meaning 1111111111.22

chump

nice one that fixed it!