Numpy Float64 vs Python Float

Numpy Float64 vs Python Float

I'm battling some floating point problems in Pandas read_csv function. In my investigation, I found this:

In [15]: a = 5.9975

In [16]: a
Out[16]: 5.9975

In [17]: np.float64(a)
Out[17]: 5.9974999999999996

Why is builtin float of Python and the np.float64 type from Python giving different results? I thought they were both C++ doubles?

3

1 Answer

>>> numpy.float64(5.9975).hex()
'0x1.7fd70a3d70a3dp+2'
>>> (5.9975).hex()
'0x1.7fd70a3d70a3dp+2'

They are the same number. What differs is their representation; the Python native type uses a "sane" representation, and the NumPy type uses an accurate representation.

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Maya Lin-Takahashi
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Maya Lin-Takahashi

Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.