Menu
I keep seeing people using doubles in C#. I know I read somewhere that doubles sometimes lose precision. My question is when should a use a double and when should I use a decimal type? Which type is suitable for money computations? (ie. greater than $100 million)
321
Use double for non-integer math where the most precise answer isn't necessary. Use decimal for non-integer math where precision is needed (e.g. money and currency). Use int by default for any integer-based operations that can use that type, as it will be more performant than short or long .
Use float or double ? The precision of a floating point value indicates how many digits the value can have after the decimal point. The precision of float is only six or seven decimal digits, while double variables have a precision of about 15 digits. Therefore it is safer to use double for most calculations.
Decimal can 100% accurately represent any number within the precision of the decimal format, whereas Float and Double, cannot accurately represent all numbers, even numbers that are within their respective formats precision.
For money, always decimal. It's why it was created.
If numbers must add up correctly or balance, use decimal. This includes any financial storage or calculations, scores, or other numbers that people might do by hand.
If the exact value of numbers is not important, use double for speed. This includes graphics, physics or other physical sciences computations where there is already a "number of significant digits".
134
If you love us? You can donate to us via Paypal or buy me a coffee so we can maintain and grow! Thank you!
Donate Us With
