Many satellites measure cloud properties using reflected light from droplets, but most assume simple cloud structures, which can reduce accuracy. Using cloud simulations, we tested how these errors affect droplet number in a given volume and climate studies. We found that while they strongly affect small-scales, at the larger-scales used by satellites the errors mostly cancel out at low- to moderate-liquid water path (LWP) and cloud optical depth regimes, meaning satellite data remain reliable for climate research.