In this Oracle tutorial, we will learn about the binary_float datatype in the oracle database. Also, we will illustrate how to use it to create binary_float columns for a table in oracle.
In this article, we will discuss the binary_float datatype in Oracle 21c and how it can store and manipulate double-precision floating-point numbers.
Introduction to Oracle binary_float Datatype
Single-precision floating-point integers are stored in the built-in data type binary float in Oracle Database. It has an accuracy of roughly 7 decimal digits and stores values using 32 bits.
This form of data is frequently used to hold technical or scientific data that needs floating-point precision.
Because the binary float datatype is fixed-length, regardless of the value recorded, the storage capacity is always 4 bytes. This can be helpful when storing a lot of values or when a fixed quantity of storage is necessary.
Also, check: Oracle Binary_double Datatype
Oracle binary_float datatype Syntax
The syntax for declaring a column of binary_float data type in Oracle 21c is as follows:
column_name BINARY_FLOAT;
where column_name is the name of the column.
Oracle binary_float datatype Example
Here’s an example of using the binary_float datatype in Oracle 21c:
CREATE TABLE employees (
emp_id NUMBER,
emp_salary BINARY_FLOAT
);
Now we will insert the values into the following given table
INSERT INTO employees (emp_id , emp_salary) VALUES (1722, 12.141);
select * from employees;

Now we will use the binary_float datatype in a SQL developer tool using oracle 21c.

Here we will insert the values into a following given table
INSERT INTO customer (customer_id , salary) VALUES (6722, 12.1412);
select * from customer;

Read: Oracle Binary_double Datatype
Advantages of binary_float datatype
- Saves Storage Space: Compared to other data types, such as NUMBER or FLOAT, the binary float data type utilises a lot less storage space to hold a value—only 4 bytes—to represent a value.
- Effective for Scientific and Engineering Data: The Binary Float datatype is frequently used to store scientific and engineering data, where high accuracy is needed for calculations using decimal numbers.
- Faster Processing: Compared to values stored in variable-length formats, binary float values can be processed more quickly since they are stored in a fixed-length format. Because of this, they are perfect for high-performance computing applications.
- Compatibility with Other Applications: The binary_float datatype is widely supported by other programming languages and applications, making it easy to integrate with other systems.
Limitations of Binary Float Datatype in Oracle 21c:
- Low Precision: The precision of the Binary Float datatype is just about 7 decimal digits, which might not be enough for some applications that call for more precision.
- Due to the data type’s restricted precision, there may be occasional rounding mistakes when performing arithmetic operations on binary float values.
- Binary Float datatype may not be appropriate for financial applications requiring high precision since rounding errors might result in large disparities in economic computations.
Also, check: Float Datatype in Oracle Database
Storage and performance of Binary Float Datatype in Oracle 21c
- Binary float takes 4 bytes of memory for storage. It is a compact datatype as a result, which may lower storage needs and boost query performance.
- Compared to other floating-point datatypes, binary float has a few advantages in terms of performance. It can analyse and send data over a network more quickly than binary double since it takes up less storage space. Also, binary float may execute calculations more quickly than binary double because it has less precision.
- It’s crucial to remember that binary float has a restricted degree of precision, which means it might not be suitable for all kinds of calculations. Binary double or other datatypes might be a better fit when high precision is required.
Read: Oracle nclob Datatype
Conclusion:
So, in this Oracle tutorial, we understood how to define and use the binary_float Datatype in Oracle Database. And we have also covered a few sample examples related to it.
Also, take a look at some more Oracle tutorials.
- How to connect to the Oracle database
- How to Check Oracle Database Version
- How to create a user in Oracle
I am Bijay having more than 15 years of experience in the Software Industry. During this time, I have worked on MariaDB and used it in a lot of projects. Most of our readers are from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, etc.
Want to learn MariaDB? Check out all the articles and tutorials that I wrote on MariaDB. Also, I am a Microsoft MVP.