Why do I get a different answer when I type in a number versus excel picking the same number from a cell? Thank you?

It's all down to rounding, so you could try using the =ROUND() function to force excel to use a rounded number in you formula.

Your answer is off because the underlying value in the cell containing the equation is not really 0.43. It is a value carried out to additional decimal places. You simply have the cell formatted to display only two digits to the right of the decimal point. Excel then either rounds up or down and displays the formatted value.

However, the actual underlying value, say it is 0.431248, is what Excel uses in any/all calculations.

Now, if you wish to use the formatted value in any/all further calculations, you can invoke the 'Precision as Displayed' setting. Then, your displayed value is the value Excel will use in all computation.

For Excel 2003:

Go to Tools > Options

Select the Calculation tab and place a check mark in the Precision as Displayed check box in the Workbook Options in the lower left corner.

Click 'OK'.

For Excel 2010:

Go to File > Options

Select 'Advanced'.

Scroll down to the 'When calculating this workbook' section.

Place a check mark in the 'Set Precision as displayed' check box.

Click 'OK'.

Note: when you invoke this setting Excel will issue a stern warning that your calculations will lose accuracy. Unless you are calculating theoretical physics equations, you can ignore this warning.

lets say I create equation: and I get a number 0.43. This number is used in another equation. When I type in 0.43 into the new equation, I get the right answer but when i reference the number from the first equation my answer is off.

What do you mean