Which line of Form 1040 are you calling the "actual refund"? Line 34 is the total overpayment. That is not necessarily your refund.
What are the exact amounts on your Form 1040 lines 34, 35a, 36, and 38? What is the exact refund amount on the filing instructions page? Line 34 should be the sum of lines 35a, 36, and 38. Line 35a is your refund.
