<P> A computer number format is the internal representation of numeric values in digital computer and calculator hardware and software . Normally , numeric values are stored as groupings of bits , named for the number of bits that compose them . The encoding between numerical values and bit patterns is chosen for convenience of the operation of the computer ; the bit format used by the computer 's instruction set generally requires conversion for external use such as printing and display . Different types of processors may have different internal representations of numerical values . Different conventions are used for integer and real numbers . Most calculations are carried out with number formats that fit into a processor register , but some software systems allow representation of arbitrarily large numbers using multiple words of memory . </P>
<P> A computer number format is the internal representation of numeric values in digital computer and calculator hardware and software . Normally , numeric values are stored as groupings of bits , named for the number of bits that compose them . The encoding between numerical values and bit patterns is chosen for convenience of the operation of the computer ; the bit format used by the computer 's instruction set generally requires conversion for external use such as printing and display . Different types of processors may have different internal representations of numerical values . Different conventions are used for integer and real numbers . Most calculations are carried out with number formats that fit into a processor register , but some software systems allow representation of arbitrarily large numbers using multiple words of memory . </P>
the process of representing data in a form that can be understood by a digital computer
the process of representing data in a form that can be understood by a digital computer
computer number format
computer number format