Concept of overflow
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Why overflow exists

Why overflow exists

Side-by-side diagram of 8-bit unsigned overflow with 255 plus 1 needing a ninth bit, and signed overflow with +100 plus +50 outside the range -128 to +127

Overflow depends on both the number of bits and the way the bits are interpreted. The diagram compares the two common 8-bit cases you need at GCSE: unsigned overflow and signed overflow in two's complement.

Concept of overflow Lesson

  1. GCSE
  2. /Computer Science
  3. /Concept of overflow