5 Arduino Numeric Data Types

This YouTube tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to numeric data types within the Arduino programming environment. The instructor explains how specific keywords, such as int, byte, and float, define the kind of data a variable can hold and how much memory it consumes. The source distinguishes between unsigned types, which only store positive values, and signed types that accommodate both positive and negative integers. It further highlights float and double as the essential choices for handling decimal points, whereas other types are restricted to whole numbers. By calculating bit capacities, the video demonstrates how to choose the correct data type based on the minimum and maximum values required for a project. Ultimately, the material serves as a foundational lesson for beginners to manage numeric data efficiently in their code.





The provided source is a transcript from a tutorial video focusing on numeric data types in Arduino programming. Data types are essential because they define what kind of data a variable will store. In Arduino, different numeric data types are chosen based on the size of the number and whether it needs to be positive or negative.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the numeric data types discussed in the sources:
1. Unsigned Integer Data Types (Positive Only)
These types do not store negative signs, allowing the full bit range to be used for the number's magnitude.
• Byte: An 8-bit data type. It can store values from 0 to 255.
• Word: A 16-bit data type. It can store positive values from 0 to 65,535.
• Unsigned Int: Similar to a word, this is a 16-bit type that stores only positive numbers from 0 to 65,535.
• Unsigned Long: A 32-bit data type used for very large positive numbers. It can store values up to approximately 4 billion (2
32
−1).
2. Signed Integer Data Types (Positive and Negative)
These types use one bit to represent the positive or negative sign, which effectively halves the maximum positive value compared to their unsigned counterparts.
• Short: A 16-bit signed type. Its range is -32,768 to 32,767.
• Int (Integer): Also a 16-bit signed type in Arduino, sharing the same range as "short" (-32,768 to 32,767).
• Long: A 32-bit signed type. It can store very large numbers ranging from approximately -2 billion to 2 billion.
3. Decimal Point Data Types
While the types above only store whole numbers (integers), these types allow for fractional values.
• Float: Used for numbers with decimal points. It is a 32-bit type with a massive range (approx. -3.40E+38 to 3.40E+38).
• Double: In the context of Arduino programming described in the sources, double is exactly similar to float and is used to store decimal point numbers.
Summary Table of Specifications
The sources provide a formula to calculate the maximum value for unsigned types: 2
n
−1, where n is the number of bits.
Data Type
Bits
Signed/Unsigned
Range
Byte
8
Unsigned
0 to 255
Word
16
Unsigned
0 to 65,535
Short
16
Signed
-32,768 to 32,767
Int
16
Signed
-32,768 to 32,767
Unsigned Int
16
Unsigned
0 to 65,535
Long
32
Signed
approx. ±2 Billion
Unsigned Long
32
Unsigned
0 to approx. 4 Billion
Float/Double
32
Signed (Decimal)
approx. ±3.40E+38
To understand this better, imagine these data types as different-sized storage containers. A Byte is like a small cup that can only hold a little water (up to 255 drops), while an Unsigned Long is like a massive tank that can hold billions of drops. Choosing the right "container" ensures you don't overflow your storage while also not wasting space.
How do signed and unsigned numeric data types differ?
What determines the maximum value storable in a byte variable?
Which Arduino data types are used for decimal point numbers?