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Numeric vs. Numerical — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 19, 2023
Both "Numeric" and "Numerical" relate to numbers, but "Numeric" often refers to a system or format, while "Numerical" denotes a quantity or mathematical relation.
Numeric vs. Numerical — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Numeric and Numerical

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Key Differences

The words "Numeric" and "Numerical" both revolve around the concept of numbers. However, their usage slightly differs. "Numeric" frequently pertains to the representation of numbers, especially in systems or formats. "Numerical," on the other hand, commonly denotes the relationship or the expression of quantities and mathematical relationships.
For instance, when discussing data types in computer science, the term "Numeric" is employed. Data that is composed of numbers, whether they be integers or floating points, are categorized as "Numeric" data types. Meanwhile, "Numerical" might describe mathematical operations or the expression of quantities in scientific research.
When thinking of keyboards, a "Numeric" keypad refers to the section that specifically houses the numbers. But when considering an analysis that involves a comparison of quantities, it would be termed a "Numerical" analysis.
In some contexts, both terms can be used interchangeably. However, precision in language means recognizing the nuanced differences between "Numeric" and "Numerical."

Comparison Chart

Primary Usage

Representation of numbers
Expression of quantities
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Context

Systems, formats
Mathematical operations, relations

Common Fields of Usage

Computer science, data types
Science, research, statistics

Examples

Numeric keypad, Numeric data type
Numerical value, Numerical analysis

Nature

More about type/format
More about quantity/relationship

Compare with Definitions

Numeric

Using numbers for designation.
The numeric label on each product helps in tracking.

Numerical

Pertaining to mathematics involving numbers.
Numerical algorithms are efficient for large data sets.

Numeric

Relating to or consisting of numbers.
The numeric code represents each letter uniquely.

Numerical

Relating to or expressed as a number or numbers.
The numerical value of the constant is 3.14.

Numeric

Employed in the notation of numbers.
The numeric system we use is decimal.

Numerical

Of or concerning number as distinct from quality.
The numerical strength of the team has grown.

Numeric

Specific to number keys on a device.
The numeric keypad is separate from the alphabetic keys.

Numerical

Being a number, numeral, or series of numbers.
The numerical sequence seemed random.

Numeric

Of or pertaining to the representation of data in numerical format.
The numeric column in the spreadsheet is for entering prices.

Numerical

Of or relating to a number or series of numbers
Numerical order.

Numeric

A number or numeral.

Numerical

Designating number or a number
A numerical symbol.

Numeric

Variant of numerical.

Numerical

Expressed in or counted by numbers
Numerical strength.

Numeric

Of or relating to numbers, especially the characters 0 to 9.

Numerical

Of or pertaining to numbers

Numeric

(obsolete) the same; identical

Numerical

(obsolete) The same in number; hence, identically the same; identical.

Numeric

(mathematics) Any number, proper or improper fraction, or incommensurable ratio.

Numerical

Measured or expressed in numbers;
Numerical value
The numerical superiority of the enemy

Numeric

Belonging to number; denoting number; consisting in numbers; expressed by numbers, and not letters; as, numerical characters; a numerical equation; a numerical statement.

Numerical

Of or relating to or denoting numbers;
A numeral adjective
Numerical analysis

Numeric

The same in number; hence, identically the same; identical; as, the same numerical body.
Would to God that all my fellow brethren, which with me bemoan the loss of their books, . . . might rejoice for the recovery thereof, though not the same numerical volumes.

Numerical

Designated by or expressed in numbers;
Numerical symbols
A very simple numeric code
Numerical equations

Numeric

Relating to or having ability to think in or work with numbers; as, tests for rating numerical aptitude. Contrasted with verbal.

Numerical

Relating to or having ability to think in or work with numbers;
Tests for rating numerical aptitude
A mathematical whiz

Numeric

Any number, proper or improper fraction, or incommensurable ratio. The term also includes any imaginary expression like m + n?-1, where m and n are real numerics.

Numerical

Employed in the measurement or comparison of quantities.
They did a numerical analysis of the survey results.

Numeric

Of or relating to or denoting numbers;
A numeral adjective
Numerical analysis

Numeric

Measured or expressed in numbers;
Numerical value
The numerical superiority of the enemy

Numeric

Designated by or expressed in numbers;
Numerical symbols
A very simple numeric code
Numerical equations

Common Curiosities

Are "Numeric" and "Numerical" synonyms?

They're closely related but have nuanced differences in usage and context.

What's "Numerical" data in statistics?

It's data that's expressed as numbers and can be quantified.

Can I use "Numerical" in place of "Numeric" always?

Not always. While they overlap, "Numerical" often pertains to quantity or math relations.

What does "Numerical" order mean?

It means arranging data in order of increasing or decreasing numbers.

Is a "Numeric" keypad different from an "Alphanumeric" one?

Yes, a "Numeric" keypad has only numbers, while "Alphanumeric" includes letters.

Are fractions "Numerical"?

Yes, fractions represent quantities and are numerical.

Is "Numeric" specific to computers?

No, but it's often used in computing to refer to number-based data types.

Is binary a "Numeric" system?

Yes, binary is a numeric system using base-2.

Which is used more in research, "Numeric" or "Numerical"?

"Numerical" is more common, especially in contexts like "numerical analysis."

Are decimals considered "Numeric"?

Yes, decimals are a form of numeric representation.

Can "Numerical" refer to algorithms?

Yes, like in "Numerical algorithms" used for computations.

Is "Numerical" understanding the same as mathematical understanding?

It's a subset. "Numerical" specifically pertains to understanding numbers and their relations.

Is "Numerical" more about quantity?

Largely yes. "Numerical" often pertains to quantity or mathematical relations.

Do "Numeric" values always mean whole numbers?

No, numeric values can be whole numbers, decimals, or fractions.

Can text data be "Numeric"?

If the text represents numbers, then yes, it's numeric text data.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba 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.

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