Single Precision and Double Precision
Single Precision and Double Precision
1. Single Precision: Single Precision is a format proposed by IEEE for the representation of
floating-point numbers. It occupies 32 bits in computer memory.
2. Double Precision: Double Precision is also a format given by IEEE for the representation of
the floating-point number. It occupies 64 bits in computer memory.
In single precision, 32 bits are used to represent In double precision, 64 bits are used to represent
floating-point number. floating-point number.
This format, also known as FP32, is suitable for This format, often known as FP64, is suitable to
calculations that won’t be adversely affected by represent values that need a wider range or more
some approximation. exact computations.
In single precision, 23 bits are used for mantissa. In double precision, 52 bits are used for mantissa.
Range of numbers in single precision : 2^(- Range of numbers in double precision : 2^(-
126) to 2^(+127) 1022) to 2^(+1023)
This is used where precision matters less. This is used where precision matters more.