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Difference Between Float and Double in C++ | Testbook.com

Last Updated on Jul 31, 2023

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Float and double are two distinct data types utilized in C++ for storing numbers that include decimal points. Let's delve deeper into the differences between these two data types.

Defining Float
In the realm of programming, a float is a 32-bit data type that allows the storage of real numbers that contain decimal components.

Defining Double
Double, on the other hand, is a 64-bit data type that is designed to store large or real numbers with decimal values.

Comparing Float and Double in C/C++

S.No. FLOAT DOUBLE

1 Data type with single precision. Data type with double precision.

2 Float data types can store numbers up to 7 digits. Double data type can store numbers up to 15 digits.

3 The format specifier for float is %f. The format specifier for double is %lf.

4 It is a 32-bit floating-point data type. It is a 64-bit floating-point data type.

6 Requires 4-bytes of memory space. Requires 8-bytes of memory space.

7 Offers 6-digits of precision. Offers 15-digits of precision.

8 More affordable and requires less memory space. More expensive and requires more memory space.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a float in C++?

In the programming world, a float is a data type and 32 bits variable that permits you to store real numbers with fractional components and with commas.

What is a double in C++?

Double is also a data type and 64 bit variable used to store large or real numbers that have fractional values.

What are the key differences between float and double in C++?

Key differences include precision, memory space required, and the number of digits they can store. For instance, float is a 32-bit data type that can store up to 7 digits, while double is a 64-bit data type that can store up to 15 digits.

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S.No.	FLOAT	DOUBLE
1	Data type with single precision.	Data type with double precision.
2	Float data types can store numbers up to 7 digits.	Double data type can store numbers up to 15 digits.
3	The format specifier for float is %f.	The format specifier for double is %lf.
4	It is a 32-bit floating-point data type.	It is a 64-bit floating-point data type.
6	Requires 4-bytes of memory space.	Requires 8-bytes of memory space.
7	Offers 6-digits of precision.	Offers 15-digits of precision.
8	More affordable and requires less memory space.	More expensive and requires more memory space.