Use fixed decimal number for precision

  1. Convert Decimal Number to Fixed Decimal Number data types if consistent rounding results are required and the Fixed Decimal type provides sufficient size.
    • A Decimal data type is an approximate and can produce inconsistent reporting results due to rounding. Converting to a Fixed Decimal type provides 4 decimal places and ensures consistent results.
  2. Confirm that the scale of the Fixed Decimal type (19,4) will be sufficient before implementing this change.
  • In this example, the Measurement column is stored as a decimal number, but precise rounding (consistent results) is required:
Figure 149: Decimal Number data type
  • The query editor provides multiple indications of a decimal data type including the header icon and the Data Type dropdown in the toolbar.
Figure 150: Fixed decimal number type
  • The Fixed decimal number data type is equivalent to Currency in the M language as per Figure 151.
Figure 151: Conversion to Fixed decimal number data type