Digit vs. Figure — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 13, 2024
A digit is a single numerical symbol (0-9) used in counting and mathematics, whereas a figure can refer to any numeral, shape, or representation in statistics or visual data.
Difference Between Digit and Figure
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Digits are the fundamental building blocks of numbers, consisting of the ten symbols from 0 to 9. These symbols are used in various combinations to represent all possible numbers. On the other hand, figures encompass a broader range of representations, including digits, but also extending to graphical representations, shapes, and statistical data.
While digits strictly represent numerical values and are key components in mathematical operations and calculations, figures can be used more broadly to represent information in a visual or illustrative manner, such as in charts, diagrams, or images that convey data or concepts.
Digits are universally recognized and standardized in their form and use, ensuring consistency in numerical representation across different cultures and languages. Figures, however, can vary widely in their appearance and interpretation, depending on the context and the information they are intended to convey.
In the context of mathematics and number theory, digits are crucial for the base-10 numbering system used in everyday arithmetic and calculations. Figures, in contrast, can be found in a variety of fields such as statistics, geometry, and art, serving diverse purposes from presenting data to depicting shapes and forms.
The use of digits is primarily confined to numerical and quantitative expressions, making them indispensable in fields such as mathematics, finance, and science. Figures, with their broader application, are used in both quantitative and qualitative contexts, including data visualization, artistic representation, and the communication of complex information.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A single numerical symbol (0-9)
Any numeral, shape, or representation
Use
Numerical representation
Visual or statistical representation
Context
Mathematics, counting
Mathematics, statistics, geometry, art
Standardization
Universal and consistent
Varies by context and interpretation
Application
Key in calculations and arithmetic
Broad, including data visualization
Compare with Definitions
Digit
Single numeral
The digit 7 stands alone in the number 237.
Figure
Numerical value
The figure on the invoice totaled $1,200.
Digit
Decimal system building block
Each digit in the number 1234 has a different place value.
Figure
Diagram element
The figure illustrates the water cycle.
Digit
Numeric keypad component
The digit 0 is often found at the bottom of a keypad.
Figure
Statistical representation
Figures in the report show a 10% increase.
Digit
Binary code element
In binary, the digit 1 represents an on state.
Figure
Geometric shape
The triangle is a basic geometric figure.
Digit
Counting unit
The toddler can now recognize digits up to 5.
Figure
Symbolic representation
The figure x often represents an unknown variable.
Digit
A human finger or toe.
Figure
A written or printed symbol representing something other than a letter, especially a number.
Digit
A corresponding part in other vertebrates.
Figure
Figures Mathematical calculations
Good at figures.
Digit
A unit of length derived from the breadth of a finger and equal to about 34 of an inch (2.0 centimeters).
Figure
An amount represented in numbers
Sold for a large figure.
Digit
One of the ten Arabic number symbols, 0 through 9.
Figure
Figures One of the digits specified as making up a larger number
A salary in the six figures.
Digit
Such a symbol used in a system of numeration.
Figure
(Mathematics) A geometric form consisting of any combination of points, lines, or planes
A triangle is a plane figure.
Digit
Digits Slang A telephone number
She gave me her digits, and I put them in my phone.
Figure
The outline, form, or silhouette of a thing
Saw the figure of a cat in the window.
Digit
(mathematics) The whole numbers from 0 to 9 and the Arabic numerals representing them, which are combined to represent base-ten numbers.
The number 123.4 has four digits: the hundreds digit is 1, the tens digit is 2, the units digit is 3, and the tenths digit is 4.
Figure
The shape or form of a human body
A fashion model with an attractive figure.
Digit
(mathematics) A distinct symbol representing one of an arithmetic progression of numbers between 0 and the radix.
Hexadecimal numeration (Base sixteen) includes the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 but also A (=10 decimal), B, C, D, E, and F. Sixteen itself is written as the two-digit number 10.
Figure
An indistinct object or shape
The figures in the mist turned out to be lampposts.
Digit
The apparent diameter of the sun or moon, (chiefly) as a measure of the totality of an eclipse.
A six-digit eclipse covers half the lunar surface.
Figure
A person, especially a well-known one
A famous historical figure.
Digit
A unit of length notionally based upon the width of an adult human finger, standardized differently in various places and times, (especially) the English digit of 16{{nbsp}}foot, now equivalent to about 1.9{{nbsp}}cm.
Figure
Impression or appearance made
Cut a dashing figure at the reception.
Digit
Syn of inch.
Figure
A person, animal, or object that symbolizes something.
Digit
(anatomy) A narrow extremity of the human hand or foot: a finger, thumb, or toe.
Figure
A pictorial or sculptural representation, especially of the human body.
Digit
(zoology) Similar or similar-looking structures in other animals.
Figure
A diagram
Drew a figure of the office layout.
Digit
Syn of degreeof a circle.
Figure
A design or pattern, as in a textile
Silk with a paisley figure.
Digit
(transitive) To point at or point out with the finger.
Figure
An illustration printed from an engraved plate or block.
Digit
One of the terminal divisions of a limb appendage; a finger or toe.
The ruminants have the "cloven foot," i. e., two hoofed digits on each foot.
Figure
A configuration or distinct group of steps in a dance.
Digit
A finger's breadth, commonly estimated to be three fourths of an inch.
Figure
A pattern traced by a series of movements, as in ice skating.
Digit
One of the ten figures or symbols, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, by which all numbers are expressed; - so called because of the use of the fingers in counting and computing.
Figure
(Music) A brief melodic or harmonic unit often constituting the basis of a larger phrase or structure.
Digit
One twelfth part of the diameter of the sun or moon; - a term used to express the quantity of an eclipse; as, an eclipse of eight digits is one which hides two thirds of the diameter of the disk.
Figure
(Logic) Any one of the forms that a syllogism can take, given one of the four possible arrangements of the middle term.
Digit
To point at or out with the finger.
Figure
(Mathematics) To calculate with numbers
Figured the sum to be nearly a million.
Digit
One of the elements that collectively form a system of numbers;
0 and 1 are digits
Figure
To make a likeness of; depict.
Digit
The length of breadth of a finger used as a linear measure
Figure
To adorn with a design or figures.
Digit
A finger or toe in human beings or corresponding part in other vertebrates
Figure
To write a sequence of conventionalized numbers below or above (the bassline) to indicate harmony.
Figure
To embellish with an ornamental pattern.
Figure
To conclude, believe, or predict
I never figured that this would happen.
Figure
To consider or regard
Figured them as con artists.
Figure
(Mathematics) To calculate; compute.
Figure
To be or seem important or prominent
A key fact that figures in our understanding of what happened.
Figure
To be pertinent or involved
His advice barely figured in my decision.
Figure
(Informal) To seem reasonable or expected
“I found my keys in the sofa.” “Well, that figures, given that you were sitting there last night.”.
Figure
A drawing or diagram conveying information.
Figure
The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modelling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body.
A figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble
Figure
A person or thing representing a certain consciousness.
Figure
The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person.
He cut a sorry figure standing there in the rain.
Figure
(obsolete) Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendour; show.
Figure
A human figure, which dress or corset must fit to; the shape of a human body.
Figure
A numeral.
Figure
A number, an amount.
Figure
A shape.
A geometrical figure, a plane figure, a solid figure
Figure
A visible pattern as in wood or cloth.
The muslin was of a pretty figure.''
Figure
Any complex dance moveW.
Figure
A figure of speech.
Figure
(logic) The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.
Figure
(astrology) A horoscope; the diagram of the aspects of the astrological houses.
Figure
(music) Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.
Figure
(music) A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a motif; a florid embellishment.
Figure
To calculate, to solve a mathematical problem.
Figure
To come to understand.
I can’t figure if he’s telling the truth or lying.
Figure
To think, to assume, to suppose, to reckon.
Figure
To be reasonable.
It figures that somebody like him would be upset about the situation.
Figure
(intransitive) To enter into; to be a part of.
Figure
(obsolete) To represent by a figure, as to form or mould; to make an image of, either palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape.
Figure
To embellish with design; to adorn with figures.
Figure
(obsolete) To indicate by numerals.
Figure
To represent by a metaphor; to signify or symbolize.
Figure
(obsolete) To prefigure; to foreshow.
Figure
(music) To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords.
Figure
(music) To embellish.
Figure
The form of anything; shape; outline; appearance.
Flowers have all exquisite figures.
Figure
The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modeling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body; as, a figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble.
A coin that bears the figure of an angel.
Figure
A pattern in cloth, paper, or other manufactured article; a design wrought out in a fabric; as, the muslin was of a pretty figure.
Figure
A diagram or drawing, made to represent a magnitude or the relation of two or more magnitudes; a surface or space inclosed on all sides; - called superficial when inclosed by lines, and solid when inclosed by surfaces; any arrangement made up of points, lines, angles, surfaces, etc.
Figure
The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person; as, a sorry figure.
I made some figure there.
Gentlemen of the best figure in the county.
Figure
Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendor; show.
That he may live in figure and indulgence.
Figure
A character or symbol representing a number; a numeral; a digit; as, 1, 2,3, etc.
Figure
Value, as expressed in numbers; price; as, the goods are estimated or sold at a low figure.
With nineteen thousand a year at the very lowest figure.
Figure
A person, thing, or action, conceived of as analogous to another person, thing, or action, of which it thus becomes a type or representative.
Who is the figure of Him that was to come.
Figure
A mode of expressing abstract or immaterial ideas by words which suggest pictures or images from the physical world; pictorial language; a trope; hence, any deviation from the plainest form of statement. Also called a figure of speech.
To represent the imagination under the figure of a wing.
Figure
The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.
Figure
Any one of the several regular steps or movements made by a dancer.
Figure
A horoscope; the diagram of the aspects of the astrological houses.
Figure
Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.
Figure
A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a musical phrase or motive; a florid embellishment.
Figure
To represent by a figure, as to form or mold; to make an image of, either palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape.
If love, alas! be pain I bear,
No thought can figure, and no tongue declare.Prior.
Figure
To embellish with design; to adorn with figures.
The vaulty top of heavenFigured quite o'er with burning meteors.
Figure
To indicate by numerals; also, to compute.
As through a crystal glass the figured hours are seen.
Figure
To represent by a metaphor; to signify or symbolize.
Whose white vestments figure innocence.
Figure
To prefigure; to foreshow.
In this the heaven figures some event.
Figure
To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords.
Figure
To make a figure; to be distinguished or conspicious; as, the envoy figured at court.
Sociable, hospitable, eloquent, admired, figuring away brilliantly.
Figure
To calculate; to contrive; to scheme; as, he is figuring to secure the nomination.
Figure
A diagram or picture illustrating textual material;
The area covered can be seen from Figure 2
Figure
Alternative names for the body of a human being;
Leonardo studied the human body
He has a strong physique
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
Figure
One of the elements that collectively form a system of numbers;
0 and 1 are digits
Figure
A model of a bodily form (especially of a person);
He made a figure of Santa Claus
Figure
A well-known or notable person;
They studied all the great names in the history of France
She is an important figure in modern music
Figure
A combination of points and lines and planes that form a visible palpable shape
Figure
An amount of money expressed numerically;
A figure of $17 was suggested
Figure
The impression produced by a person;
He cut a fine figure
A heroic figure
Figure
The property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals;
He had a number of chores to do
The number of parameters is small
The figure was about a thousand
Figure
Language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense
Figure
A unitary percept having structure and coherence that is the object of attention and that stands out against a ground
Figure
A decorative or artistic work;
The coach had a design on the doors
Figure
A predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating;
She made the best score on compulsory figures
Figure
Judge to be probable
Figure
Be or play a part of or in;
Elections figure prominently in every government program
How do the elections figure in the current pattern of internal politics?
Figure
Imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind;
I can't see him on horseback!
I can see what will happen
I can see a risk in this strategy
Figure
Make a mathematical calculation or computation
Figure
Understand;
He didn't figure her
Common Curiosities
What is the main use of a digit?
Digits are used to represent numbers in various numeral systems.
How are digits used in computing?
Digits form the basis of binary and other numeral systems in computing.
What kinds of figures are used in mathematics?
Mathematical figures include numbers, geometric shapes, and symbols.
Can figures include letters and symbols?
Yes, figures can include letters, symbols, and geometric shapes.
Why might figures require interpretation?
Figures can be complex and multifaceted, often representing concepts beyond mere numbers.
How do figures enhance understanding in reports?
Figures, such as charts and graphs, visually represent data, making it easier to understand.
What is the significance of binary digits in technology?
Binary digits, or bits, are fundamental in digital communication and data processing.
Are digits and figures interchangeable?
Not always; while a digit is a specific type of figure (a numeral), figures can also represent non-numeric entities.
What role do figures play in visual representation?
Figures simplify complex information through visual representation.
Can a figure be a digit?
Yes, a figure can represent a digit, but it can also represent other things.
How are digits essential in the decimal system?
Digits are the fundamental elements of the decimal system, used to construct all numbers.
How do figures contribute to scientific visualization?
Figures help in illustrating scientific concepts, making them more accessible.
How do digits relate to place value?
Digits have different place values depending on their position in a number.
What differentiates a digit from other types of figures?
Digits are specific numerals used in number systems, while figures can represent a broader range of entities.
Are all digits numbers?
Yes, all digits are numbers within the range of 0-9.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
