Most software can auto-correct the rounding errors caused by the way computer hardware handles math. For example, even the cheapest calculator can correctly tell you that:

14.28 x 9 = 128.52

Most math-enabled computer software likewise can correct rounding errors and give you reliable results.

But surprisingly, even though browsers can perform client-side JavaScript math (and may even be required to do so in intranet business and online shopping applications), most browsers are pretty bad at automatically correcting these basic hardware rounding errors.

Here's how your browser handles these simple problems:

If a JavaScript programmer correctly anticipates rounding errors, they can be corrected with additional JavaScript code Still, you may find it a little unsettling that your expensive hardware and software may have to rely on a programmer's alertness and extra code to correct the kinds of rounding errors a $5 throwaway calculator can handle on its own!

If your browser displays rounding errors, sadly there's nothing you can do to correct it because it happens at a very low-level inside your PC. But, thanks to BrowserTune, at least you'll now know the problem exists, and can use appropriate caution when ordering online or doing other browser-based math.

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This page was last updated on 11/15/01