EPISODE · Apr 21, 2026 · 11 MIN
The Day Google Forgot How to Count
from Code Curiosities · host Podcaster
In 2012, a tiny rounding error in Google's ad auction system accidentally charged advertisers millions of extra dollars in a single day. We dive into how floating-point arithmetic—the way computers handle decimal numbers—can go spectacularly wrong, and why your calculator might be lying to you about simple math. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What this episode covers
In 2012, a tiny rounding error in Google's ad auction system accidentally charged advertisers millions of extra dollars in a single day. We dive into how floating-point arithmetic—the way computers handle decimal numbers—can go spectacularly wrong, and why your calculator might be lying to you about simple math.
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The Day Google Forgot How to Count
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