Float vs Double: What’s the Difference?

Float vs Double – Data Type Comparison

When it comes to working with numerical data in programming, a comparison of float and double is essential. These two data types are used to represent numerical values but in different ways.

This article will provide an in-depth comparison of float and double, outlining their similarities and differences, so you can make the best choice for your programming needs.

What is a Float Data Type?

A float data type is a data type used in programming to store real numbers such as fractions and decimals. While integers can only represent whole numbers, floats can represent numbers that are not whole numbers, such as 3.14159 or 0.0001. Floats are usually stored in a computer’s memory using a floating-point representation, which is a way of encoding real numbers in a way that can support a wide range of values.

When a float is declared in a program, it is allocated a specific amount of space in the computer’s memory. The amount of space allocated to the float depends on the size of the number, which is determined by the number of digits and the decimal point if any. Floats are usually stored in 8, 16, 32, or 64 bits, depending on the specific application.

Because of their large range, floats are suitable for storing very large or very small numbers. But, a downside of using floats is that they are not precise.  There can be up to 7 significant digits in a float. Depending on the number of significant digits, some float values may be rounded and may not be exact.

What is a Double Data Type?

A double data type is a numerical data type that stores 64-bit floating point numbers, which are numbers with decimal points. A double data type allows for greater precision than other numerical data types such as float and integer. The double data type is most commonly used when dealing with decimal calculations, such as scientific calculations.

It is also often used to represent large numbers, such as astronomical distances, or very small numbers, such as fractional percentages. The double data type is not limited to these uses, however; it can also be used to store any numerical value. This makes a double data type more precise that a float.

When to Use Float and Double?

As you’ve learned, the main difference between float and double is the number of bits used to store the value. A float is a single precision, 32-bit floating point data type that is used to represent numbers with decimal points and is accurate up to 6 or 7 decimal places.

Whereas a double is a double-precision, 64-bit floating point data type that is used to represent numbers with decimal points and is accurate up to 15 or 16 decimal places. This means that a double has a larger range and can store more precision than a float.

Double-precision floating point numbers are usually used when higher precision is needed and when doing scientific calculations. Programmers also use them when dealing with very large or very small numbers. It’s possible to convert float values to double values, but not vice versa.

When to use floats: Floats are best used when rounding off numbers, performing calculations with fractions, decimals, or percentages, or making approximations.

When to use doubles: Doubles are best used when greater precision is required, such as in scientific calculations or storing numbers with large ranges.

Float vs Double: A Comparison of the Two Data Types

This article covered the differences between float and double, and it explained when to use each data type. Floats are best used when rounding off numbers, performing calculations with fractions, decimals, or percentages, or making approximations. Doubles are best used when greater precision is required.

When working with numbers in your code, it is important to understand the differences between float and double. By understanding the distinctions between these two data types, you will be better equipped to make decisions when debugging or writing your code. And with that, we conclude this article on float vs double.