BUG: Select Statement Can Cause Arithmetic Overflow

• Microsoft SQL Server, versions 6.0 and 6.5

SYMPTOMS

In general, when you use the Select statement and a query that involves the multiplication of a decimal number and the value returned from a function, an Arithmetic Overflow error message appears. This error message also appears in the following three specific conditions:

1. Calculation must involve at least three operands

2. Calculation must include the following three operations:

   a. an integer constant multiplied by b. an integer returned from a function multiplied by c. a decimal or numeric value in the form of either a constant, local

         variable or a column value.
   

3. Calculation be performed in the order in which they are listed in Condition 2 above.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, convert the decimal or numeric values to integer values using the Convert function. For more information on how to use the Convert function, please see the Transact-SQL Reference guide.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft SQL Server versions 6.0 and 6.5. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.