Integer vs. Float — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 21, 2023
Integer represents whole numbers, positive or negative, without decimals. Float represents real numbers with decimal points. Both are numerical data types.
Difference Between Integer and Float
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Integer and Float are both data types commonly found in programming, representing numbers. However, their exact representations differ. An Integer, often abbreviated as "int" in many programming languages, refers to whole numbers, which can be either positive, negative, or zero. In this context, Integer lacks any fractional component, making them distinct in their simplicity and precision.
Float, on the other hand, stands for floating-point numbers. This means that Float can represent real numbers that have both integral and fractional components, separated by a decimal point. Float is especially useful when exact values or computations involving fractions are necessary. For instance, mathematical operations requiring more granular detail, such as financial calculations, often use Float.
Another distinction between Integer and Float is their storage requirement and precision. Floats, given their ability to represent decimals, often require more storage and come with issues like rounding errors. Integer operations, in contrast, are exact, provided they don't involve division that results in a fraction.
Lastly, when working with databases, computations, or specific algorithms, the choice between Integer and Float can influence speed, storage, and accuracy. While both are integral to computing and programming, understanding their nuances ensures the right application for the right scenario.
Comparison Chart
Nature of Numbers
Whole numbers
Real numbers with decimals
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Presence of Decimal
No
Yes
Typical Storage
Lesser
More (due to decimal precision)
Accuracy in Computations
Exact (no rounding off)
Prone to rounding errors
Examples
1, -5, 0
3.14, -0.007, 10.5
Compare with Definitions
Integer
The opposite of a fractional number.
Unlike 1.5, 1 is an Integer.
Float
A numerical datatype that allows for decimal precision.
0.99 is a Float.
Integer
A numerical value that can be even or odd.
2 is an even Integer.
Float
Represents numbers with decimal points.
-5.67 is a Float.
Integer
A whole number, positive or negative.
5 is an Integer.
Float
Used in computations requiring fractional accuracy.
For accurate division results, use Float like 10.0/3.0.
Integer
A number without a fractional or decimal component.
-3 is an Integer.
Float
Often associated with floating-point arithmetic.
2.71 is a Float value used in mathematical computations.
Integer
A datatype representing whole numerical values.
In Python, the type() function confirms 4 is of Integer type.
Float
To remain suspended within or on the surface of a fluid without sinking.
Integer
An integer (from the Latin integer meaning "whole") is colloquially defined as a number that can be written without a fractional component. For example, 21, 4, 0, and −2048 are integers, while 9.75, 5+1/2, and √2 are not.
Float
To be suspended in or move through space as if supported by a liquid.
Integer
A number which is not a fraction; a whole number
Integer values
Float
To move from place to place, especially at random.
Integer
A thing complete in itself.
Float
To move easily or lightly
"Miss Golightly ... floated round in their arms light as a scarf" (Truman Capote).
Integer
A member of the set of positive whole numbers {1, 2, 3, ... }, negative whole numbers {-1, -2, -3, ... }, and zero {0}.
Float
(Economics) To rise or fall freely in response to the market
Allowed the dollar to float.
A loan whose interest rate floats with the prime rate.
Integer
A complete unit or entity.
Float
To cause to remain suspended without sinking or falling.
Integer
(arithmetic) A number that is not a fraction; an element of the infinite and numerable set {..., -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ...}.
Float
To put into the water; launch
Float a ship.
Float a navy.
Integer
A complete entity; a whole number, in contradistinction to a fraction or a mixed number.
Float
To start or establish (a business enterprise, for example).
Integer
Any of the natural numbers (positive or negative) or zero
Float
To flood (land), as for irrigation.
Float
(Economics) To allow (the exchange value of a currency, for example) to rise or fall freely in response to the market
Inflation forced the government to float the currency.
Float
To offer for consideration; suggest
Floated my idea to the committee.
Float
To release (a security) for sale.
Float
To arrange for (a loan).
Float
To make the surface of (plaster, for example) level or smooth.
Float
(Computers) To convert (data) from fixed-point notation to floating-point notation.
Float
A raft.
Float
A buoy.
Float
A life preserver.
Float
A buoyant object, such as a piece of cork or a plastic ball, used to hold a net or part of a fishing line afloat.
Float
A landing platform attached to a wharf and floating on the water.
Float
A floating ball attached to a lever to regulate the water level in a tank.
Float
(Biology) An air-filled sac or structure that aids in the flotation of an aquatic organism. Also called air bladder, air vesicle.
Float
A decorated exhibit or scene mounted on a mobile platform and pulled or driven in a parade.
Float
The number of shares of a security that are publicly owned and traded.
Float
A sum of money representing checks that are outstanding.
Float
The time between the issuing or depositing of a check and the debiting of the issuer's account.
Float
The time during which a credit card purchase can be repaid without interest.
Float
A tool for smoothing the surface of wet plaster or concrete.
Float
A file with sharp ridges used for cutting or smoothing wood.
Float
A soft drink with ice cream floating in it.
Float
Excess time allowed for a task in a project schedule.
Float
To be supported by a fluid of greater density (than the object).
Helium balloons float in air, while air-filled balloons don't.
Float
To be supported by a liquid of greater density, such that part (of the object or substance) remains above the surface.
The boat floated on the water.
The oil floated on the vinegar.
Float
(transitive) To cause something to be suspended in a liquid of greater density.
To float a boat
Float
(intransitive) To be capable of floating.
That boat doesn't float.
Oil floats on vinegar.
Float
(intransitive) To move in a particular direction with the liquid in which one is floating.
I’d love to just float downstream.
Float
(intransitive) To drift or wander aimlessly.
I’m not sure where they went... they're floating around here somewhere.
Images from my childhood floated through my mind.
Float
(intransitive) To drift gently through the air.
The balloon floated off into the distance.
Float
(intransitive) To move in a fluid manner.
The dancer floated gracefully around the stage.
Float
To circulate.
There's a rumour floating around the office that Jan is pregnant.
Float
(aviation) To remain airborne, without touching down, for an excessive length of time during landing, due to excessive airspeed during the landing flare.
Float
(of an idea or scheme) To be viable.
That's a daft idea... it'll never float.
Float
(transitive) To propose (an idea) for consideration.
I floated the idea of free ice-cream on Fridays, but no one was interested.
Float
(intransitive) To automatically adjust a parameter as related parameters change.
Float
(of currencies) To have an exchange value determined by the markets, as opposed to by central fiat.
The yen floats against the dollar.
Float
To allow (the exchange value of a currency) to be determined by the markets.
The government floated the pound in January.
Increased pressure on Thailand’s currency, the baht, in 1997 led to a crisis that forced the government to float the currency.
Float
To extend a short-term loan to.
Could you float me $50 until payday?
Float
To issue or sell shares in a company (or units in a trust) to members of the public, followed by listing on a stock exchange.
Float
(transitive) To spread plaster over (a surface), using the tool called a float.
Float
(transitive) To use a float (rasp-like tool) upon.
It is time to float this horse's teeth.
Float
(transitive) To transport by float (vehicular trailer).
Float
(poker) To perform a float.
Float
To cause (an element within a document) to float above or beside others.
Float
A buoyant device used to support something in water or another liquid.
Attach the float and the weight to the fishing line, above the hook.
Float
A mass of timber or boards fastened together, and conveyed down a stream by the current; a raft.
Float
A float board.
Float
A tool similar to a rasp, used in various trades.
Float
A sort of trowel used for finishing concrete surfaces or smoothing plaster.
When pouring a new driveway, you can use a two-by-four as a float.
Float
An elaborately decorated trailer or vehicle, intended for display in a parade or pageant.
That float covered in roses is very pretty.
Float
A floating toy made of foam, used in swimming pools.
Float
(British) A small vehicle used for local deliveries, especially in the term milk float.
Float
(finance) Funds committed to be paid but not yet paid.
Our bank does a nightly sweep of accounts, to adjust the float so we stay within our reserves limit.
Float
An offering of shares in a company (or units in a trust) to members of the public, normally followed by a listing on a stock exchange.
Float
(banking) The total amount of checks/cheques or other drafts written against a bank account but not yet cleared and charged against the account.
No sir, your current float is not taken into account, when assets are legally garnished.
Float
(insurance) Premiums taken in but not yet paid out.
We make a lot of interest from our nightly float.
Float
(programming) A floating-point number, especially one that has lower precision than a double.
That routine should not have used an int; it should be a float.
Float
A soft beverage with a scoop of ice-cream floating in it.
I don't consider anything other than root-beer with vanilla ice-cream to be a "real" float.
Float
A small sum of money put in a cashier's till, or otherwise secured, at the start of business, to enable change to be made.
Float
(poker) A maneuver where a player calls on the flop or turn with a weak hand, with the intention of bluffing after a subsequent community card.
Float
(knitting) One of the loose ends of yarn on an unfinished work.
Float
(automotive) A car carrier or car transporter truck or truck-and-trailer combination.
Float
(transport) A lowboy trailer.
Float
(obsolete) The act of flowing; flux; flow.
Float
A polishing block used in marble working; a runner.
Float
A coal cart.
Float
A breakdancing move in which the body is held parallel to the floor while balancing on one or both hands.
Float
(computing) A visual style on a web page that causes the styled elements to float above or beside others.
Float
(biology) The gas-filled sac, bag, or body of a siphonophore; a pneumatophore.
Float
Any object (element) whose location in composition (page makeup, pagination) does not flow within body text but rather floats outside of it, usually anchored loosely (in buoy metaphor) to spots within it (citations, callouts): a figure (image), table, box, pull quote, ornament, or other float element.
Float
Anything which floats or rests on the surface of a fluid, as to sustain weight, or to indicate the height of the liquid surface, or mark the place of, something.
This reform bill . . . had been used as a float by the conservative ministry.
Float
A float board. See Float board (below).
Float
A contrivance for affording a copious stream of water to the heated surface of an object of large bulk, as an anvil or die.
Float
The act of flowing; flux; flow.
Float
A quantity of earth, eighteen feet square and one foot deep.
Float
The trowel or tool with which the floated coat of plastering is leveled and smoothed.
Float
A polishing block used in marble working; a runner.
Float
A single-cut file for smoothing; a tool used by shoemakers for rasping off pegs inside a shoe.
Float
A coal cart.
Float
The free use of money for a time between occurrence of a transaction (such as depositing a check or a purchase made using a credit card), and the time when funds are withdrawn to cover the transaction; also, the money made available between transactions in that manner.
Float
A vehicle on which an exhibit or display is mounted, driven or pulled as part of a parade. The float often is based on a large flat platform, and may contain a very elaborate structure with a tableau or people.
Float
To rest on the surface of any fluid; to swim; to be buoyed up.
The ark no more now floats, but seems on ground.
Three blustering nights, borne by the southern blast,I floated.
Float
To move quietly or gently on the water, as a raft; to drift along; to move or glide without effort or impulse on the surface of a fluid, or through the air.
They stretch their broad plumes and float upon the wind.
There seems a floating whisper on the hills.
Float
To cause to float; to cause to rest or move on the surface of a fluid; as, the tide floated the ship into the harbor.
Had floated that bell on the Inchcape rock.
Float
To flood; to overflow; to cover with water.
Proud Pactolus floats the fruitful lands.
Float
To pass over and level the surface of with a float while the plastering is kept wet.
Float
To support and sustain the credit of, as a commercial scheme or a joint-stock company, so as to enable it to go into, or continue in, operation.
Float
The time interval between the deposit of a check in a bank and its payment
Float
The number of shares outstanding and available for trading by the public
Float
A drink with ice cream floating in it
Float
An elaborate display mounted on a platform carried by a truck (or pulled by a truck) in a procession or parade
Float
A hand tool with a flat face used for smoothing and finishing the surface of plaster or cement or stucco
Float
Something that remains on the surface of a liquid
Float
Be in motion due to some air or water current;
The leaves were blowing in the wind
The boat drifted on the lake
The sailboat was adrift on the open sea
The shipwrecked boat drifted away from the shore
Float
Be afloat; stay on a liquid surface; not sink
Float
Set afloat;
He floated the logs down the river
The boy floated his toy boat on the pond
Float
Circulate or discuss tentatively; test the waters with;
The Republicans are floating the idea of a tax reform
Float
Move lightly, as if suspended;
The dancer floated across the stage
Float
Put into the water;
Float a ship
Float
Make the surface of level or smooth;
Float the plaster
Float
Allow (currencies) to fluctuate;
The government floated the ruble for a few months
Float
Convert from a fixed point notation to a floating point notation;
Float data
Float
A real number that has both an integral and a fractional component.
3.14 is a Float.
Common Curiosities
What's the primary difference between Integer and Float?
Integer represents whole numbers, while Float represents numbers with decimal points.
Can both Integer and Float be negative?
Yes, both can represent positive, negative, or zero values.
Are Float calculations always accurate?
Float calculations can sometimes have rounding errors due to finite precision.
How do I convert an Integer to a Float in programming?
In many languages, you can use casting. For example, in Python: float(5) converts the Integer 5 to Float.
Do all programming languages support both Integer and Float types?
Most modern programming languages support both, but the implementation details can vary.
Can an Integer value be represented as a Float?
Yes, for instance, the Integer 5 can be represented as the Float 5.0.
Can Float represent very large or very small numbers?
Yes, Float can represent a wide range of numbers using scientific notation, e.g., 2.5e3 is 2500.0.
Is the storage requirement the same for both?
No, Float usually requires more storage due to decimal precision.
Is the number 0 an Integer or Float?
It can be both. 0 is an Integer, but 0.0 is a Float.
Why might one choose Integer over Float for a calculation?
For exactness and sometimes performance, as Integer operations can be faster and don't have rounding issues.
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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.
