Numeric vs. Numerical — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 19, 2023
Both "Numeric" and "Numerical" relate to numbers, but "Numeric" often refers to a system or format, while "Numerical" denotes a quantity or mathematical relation.
Difference Between Numeric and Numerical
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The words "Numeric" and "Numerical" both revolve around the concept of numbers. However, their usage slightly differs. "Numeric" frequently pertains to the representation of numbers, especially in systems or formats. "Numerical," on the other hand, commonly denotes the relationship or the expression of quantities and mathematical relationships.
For instance, when discussing data types in computer science, the term "Numeric" is employed. Data that is composed of numbers, whether they be integers or floating points, are categorized as "Numeric" data types. Meanwhile, "Numerical" might describe mathematical operations or the expression of quantities in scientific research.
When thinking of keyboards, a "Numeric" keypad refers to the section that specifically houses the numbers. But when considering an analysis that involves a comparison of quantities, it would be termed a "Numerical" analysis.
In some contexts, both terms can be used interchangeably. However, precision in language means recognizing the nuanced differences between "Numeric" and "Numerical."
Comparison Chart
Primary Usage
Representation of numbers
Expression of quantities
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Context
Systems, formats
Mathematical operations, relations
Common Fields of Usage
Computer science, data types
Science, research, statistics
Examples
Numeric keypad, Numeric data type
Numerical value, Numerical analysis
Nature
More about type/format
More about quantity/relationship
Compare with Definitions
Numeric
Using numbers for designation.
The numeric label on each product helps in tracking.
Numerical
Pertaining to mathematics involving numbers.
Numerical algorithms are efficient for large data sets.
Numeric
Relating to or consisting of numbers.
The numeric code represents each letter uniquely.
Numerical
Relating to or expressed as a number or numbers.
The numerical value of the constant is 3.14.
Numeric
Employed in the notation of numbers.
The numeric system we use is decimal.
Numerical
Of or concerning number as distinct from quality.
The numerical strength of the team has grown.
Numeric
Specific to number keys on a device.
The numeric keypad is separate from the alphabetic keys.
Numerical
Being a number, numeral, or series of numbers.
The numerical sequence seemed random.
Numeric
Of or pertaining to the representation of data in numerical format.
The numeric column in the spreadsheet is for entering prices.
Numerical
Of or relating to a number or series of numbers
Numerical order.
Numeric
A number or numeral.
Numerical
Designating number or a number
A numerical symbol.
Numeric
Variant of numerical.
Numerical
Expressed in or counted by numbers
Numerical strength.
Numeric
Of or relating to numbers, especially the characters 0 to 9.
Numerical
Of or pertaining to numbers
Numeric
(obsolete) the same; identical
Numerical
(obsolete) The same in number; hence, identically the same; identical.
Numeric
(mathematics) Any number, proper or improper fraction, or incommensurable ratio.
Numerical
Measured or expressed in numbers;
Numerical value
The numerical superiority of the enemy
Numeric
Belonging to number; denoting number; consisting in numbers; expressed by numbers, and not letters; as, numerical characters; a numerical equation; a numerical statement.
Numerical
Of or relating to or denoting numbers;
A numeral adjective
Numerical analysis
Numeric
The same in number; hence, identically the same; identical; as, the same numerical body.
Would to God that all my fellow brethren, which with me bemoan the loss of their books, . . . might rejoice for the recovery thereof, though not the same numerical volumes.
Numerical
Designated by or expressed in numbers;
Numerical symbols
A very simple numeric code
Numerical equations
Numeric
Relating to or having ability to think in or work with numbers; as, tests for rating numerical aptitude. Contrasted with verbal.
Numerical
Relating to or having ability to think in or work with numbers;
Tests for rating numerical aptitude
A mathematical whiz
Numeric
Any number, proper or improper fraction, or incommensurable ratio. The term also includes any imaginary expression like m + n?-1, where m and n are real numerics.
Numerical
Employed in the measurement or comparison of quantities.
They did a numerical analysis of the survey results.
Numeric
Of or relating to or denoting numbers;
A numeral adjective
Numerical analysis
Numeric
Measured or expressed in numbers;
Numerical value
The numerical superiority of the enemy
Numeric
Designated by or expressed in numbers;
Numerical symbols
A very simple numeric code
Numerical equations
Common Curiosities
Are "Numeric" and "Numerical" synonyms?
They're closely related but have nuanced differences in usage and context.
What's "Numerical" data in statistics?
It's data that's expressed as numbers and can be quantified.
Can I use "Numerical" in place of "Numeric" always?
Not always. While they overlap, "Numerical" often pertains to quantity or math relations.
What does "Numerical" order mean?
It means arranging data in order of increasing or decreasing numbers.
Is a "Numeric" keypad different from an "Alphanumeric" one?
Yes, a "Numeric" keypad has only numbers, while "Alphanumeric" includes letters.
Are fractions "Numerical"?
Yes, fractions represent quantities and are numerical.
Is "Numeric" specific to computers?
No, but it's often used in computing to refer to number-based data types.
Is binary a "Numeric" system?
Yes, binary is a numeric system using base-2.
Which is used more in research, "Numeric" or "Numerical"?
"Numerical" is more common, especially in contexts like "numerical analysis."
Are decimals considered "Numeric"?
Yes, decimals are a form of numeric representation.
Can "Numerical" refer to algorithms?
Yes, like in "Numerical algorithms" used for computations.
Is "Numerical" understanding the same as mathematical understanding?
It's a subset. "Numerical" specifically pertains to understanding numbers and their relations.
Is "Numerical" more about quantity?
Largely yes. "Numerical" often pertains to quantity or mathematical relations.
Do "Numeric" values always mean whole numbers?
No, numeric values can be whole numbers, decimals, or fractions.
Can text data be "Numeric"?
If the text represents numbers, then yes, it's numeric text data.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
