🔢 Python Numbers – Int, Float, Complex Explained Simply | TechTown.in
In Python, numbers are more than just digits — they’re data types with different behaviors and use-cases. Whether you’re building a calculator app, analyzing datasets, or writing logic-based programs, you’ll be using Python numbers everywhere.
In this guide, we’ll break down Python’s numeric data types: int, float, and complex, with examples and practical tips. Let’s start counting!
🧮 What Are Numbers in Python?
Python has three main types of numbers:
| Data Type | Description |
|---|---|
int | Whole numbers (positive/negative) |
float | Decimal numbers |
complex | Numbers with real and imaginary parts |
You can create a variable and Python will automatically assign the type based on the value:
x = 10 # int
y = 3.14 # float
z = 2 + 3j # complex
🔹 int – Integer Numbers
These are whole numbers — without decimals.
x = 100
print(type(x)) # <class 'int'>
Integers can be positive, negative, or zero.
🔹 float – Decimal (Floating Point) Numbers
These are numbers that contain a decimal point.
price = 199.99
print(type(price)) # <class 'float'>
They are used when precision is required — for example in billing, scientific calculations, or measurements.
🔹 complex – Complex Numbers
A number with both real and imaginary parts, written as a + bj.
z = 5 + 4j
print(type(z)) # <class 'complex'>
Mostly used in engineering, machine learning, or scientific simulations.
🔄 Type Conversion in Python (Casting)
You can convert between number types using built-in functions:
# Convert int to float
x = float(5) # 5.0
# Convert float to int
y = int(3.8) # 3 (decimal is dropped)
# Convert int to complex
z = complex(10) # 10 + 0j
Use type casting when:
- You want to perform operations between different types
- You need to control precision
- You’re accepting numeric input as strings from a user
🔍 Check Type with type()
Use type() to check the type of any number:
x = 7.5
print(type(x)) # <class 'float'>
➕ Arithmetic Operations with Numbers
Python supports standard math operations with numbers:
x = 5
y = 2
print(x + y) # Addition → 7
print(x - y) # Subtraction → 3
print(x * y) # Multiplication → 10
print(x / y) # Division → 2.5
print(x ** y) # Exponentiation → 25
Use these with both integers and floats.
📌 Summary – Python Number Types
| Type | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|
int | 10 | Whole number |
float | 3.14 | Decimal number |
complex | 1 + 2j | Complex number (real + imag) |
🧠 Quick Tips
- ✅ Python uses dynamic typing – no need to declare types manually
- ✅ Use
int(),float(), andcomplex()for casting - ❌ Avoid converting
floattointif precision is important - ✅ Check types with
type()while debugging
🏁 Final Thoughts
Understanding Python numbers is foundational to coding. Whether you’re building logic, handling user input, or working with data — knowing how to work with int, float, and complex will keep your code accurate and powerful.
📘 Explore more beginner-friendly Python tutorials at TechTown.in

