mysql: what's the right type to use for a currency column?

[partha]

float? double? decimal? something else?
which one is correct to make sure monetary calculations using the decimal values (dollars and cents) are always right?

[adamnichols45]

i have always used varchar and found no problems

[curlykarl]

HI,

I always use float 6,2

Karl :)

[grandpa]

Float is the way to go, IMO.

Having said that, from the PHP documentation:

So never trust floating number results to the last digit and never compare floating point numbers for equality. If you really need higher precision, you should use the arbitrary precision math functions or gmp functions instead.

[coopster]

You'll probably find many differences in opinion here. I tried starting a discussion on Storing monetary values in MySQL [webmasterworld.com] once to see if anybody else had done any extensive research but it didn't get very far.

My own testing showed that FLOAT takes up less storage space, but is not as accurate. If accuracy is key then it is probably best to listen to the authority [dev.mysql.com].

Relative Discussion:
[webmasterworld.com...]

[grandpa]

In the end it would come down to your need. If the value is for display purposes only, use float. If you are using it in calculations use what will give you the accuracy you need.