Best data type for storing currency values in a MySQL database?

Question

What is the best SQL data type for currency values? I'm using MySQL but would prefer a database independent type.

Answer 1

The DECIMAL data type would be an appropriate data type to use for currency values. You can use DECIMAL(p,d) where p would be the size of your total number (precision) and d would be the digits after the decimal. For example, DECIMAL(9,2) would give you a decimal range from -9999999.99 to 9999999.99.

The DECIMAL data type is a SQL standard, so it's vendor neutral.