Difference between Single Precision and Double Precision
According to IEEE standard, floating-point number is represented in two ways:
Precision Base Sign Exponent Significand
Single precision 2 1 8 23+1
Double precision 2 1 11 52+1
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.
Difference between Single and Double Precision:
SINGLE PRECISION DOUBLE PRECISION
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.
It uses 8 bits for exponent. It uses 11 bits for exponent.
In single precision, 23 bits are used for mantissa. In double precision, 52 bits are used for mantissa.
Bias number is 127. Bias number is 1023.
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.
It is used for wide representation. It is used for minimization of approximation.
It is used in complex programs like scientific
It is used in simple programs like games.
calculator.
This is called binary32. This is called binary64.
It provides more accurate results but at the cost of
It requires fewer resources as compared to
greater computational power, memory space, and
double precision.
data transfer.
The cost incurred using this format does not always
It is less expensive.
justify its use for every computation .
