C# Floating-Point Types

The following table shows the precision and approximate ranges for the floating-point types.

float

The float keyword signifies a simple type that stores 32-bit floating-point values. The following table shows the precision and approximate range for the float type.

By default, a real numeric literal on the right side of the assignment operator is treated as double. Therefore, to initialize a float variable, use the suffix f or F, as in the following example:

float x = 3.5F;

If you do not use the suffix in the previous declaration, you will get a compilation error because you are trying to store a double value into a float variable.

decimal

The decimal keyword indicates a 128-bit data type. Compared to floating-point types, the decimal type has more precision and a smaller range, which makes it appropriate for financial and monetary calculations. The approximate range and precision for the decimal type are shown in the following table.

If you want a numeric real literal to be treated as decimal, use the suffix m or M, for example:

decimal myMoney = 300.5m;

Without the suffix m, the number is treated as a double and generates a compiler error.