The maximum value of a 32-bit signed integer is 2,147,483,647.
Understanding Signed Integers
In computer science, an integer is a whole number (positive, negative, or zero). A "signed" integer is one that uses one of its bits to indicate whether the number is positive or negative, while the remaining bits represent the magnitude of the number. The size of the integer (like 32-bit) refers to the total number of bits used to store it in memory.
32-bit Signed Integer Range
For a 32-bit signed integer, one bit is used for the sign (typically the most significant bit), leaving 31 bits to represent the value. This allows for a range of values from a large negative number to a large positive number, including zero.
According to the reference from the Google API Discovery Service documentation:
- A 32-bit signed integer has a minimum value of -2,147,483,648.
- It has a maximum value of 2,147,483,647 (inclusive).
This range covers a total of 2³² possible values.
32-bit Signed Integer Limits
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of bits | 32 |
| Minimum Value | -2,147,483,648 |
| Maximum Value | 2,147,483,647 |
Practical Implications
The limit of 2,147,483,647 for a 32-bit signed integer is significant in programming and data storage.
- Overflow: If a calculation results in a value greater than 2,147,483,647 when stored in a 32-bit signed integer variable, an integer overflow occurs. This can lead to unexpected behavior, often wrapping around to a negative number.
- Common Data Type: This size is a very common default integer size in many programming languages and systems.
- Larger Integers: For applications requiring larger number ranges, 64-bit signed integers (often called "long integers") are used, which have a much higher maximum value (over 9 quintillion).
Knowing these limits is crucial when designing software or data structures to prevent errors and ensure data integrity.
