Digit vs. Figure: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 29, 2023
Digit refers to any of the numerals from 0 to 9, while figure can refer to any numerical symbol, including digits but also larger numbers and even mathematical shapes.
Key Differences
Digit is a term that specifically describes the numerals from 0 through 9. These are the building blocks of our numerical system and are used to form more complex numbers. Figure, however, has a broader range of meanings; it can refer to any numeral, including multi-digit numbers, and even refer to non-numerical representations like shapes.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
In mathematics, a digit is always a single unit and is associated strictly with numerical representation. Figure, conversely, can also refer to graphical representations such as two-dimensional shapes in geometry, which is a departure from strictly numerical interpretation.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
When discussing the constituents of a larger number, one would refer to each individual component as a digit. For instance, in the number 235, there are three digits: 2, 3, and 5. Figure, however, could refer to the whole number 235 as a "three-figure number," emphasizing its magnitude rather than its components.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
It's worth noting that digit also has a biological meaning, referring to fingers or toes in anatomy. Figure, on the other hand, can also be a term in art and literature, referring to the form or shape of something or even a person's bodily shape, showing its versatility as a word.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
In everyday language, people might use figure to refer to a number that represents statistical or factual information ("the figures show an increase in sales"). In such contexts, digit would be too narrow a term to describe these potentially large or complex numbers.
Janet White
Sep 17, 2023
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Digit and Figure Definitions
Digit
A display unit on electronic devices.
The digit on the clock flashed midnight.
Sara Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Figure
A written or printed symbol representing something other than a letter, especially a number.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Digit
A finger or toe in anatomy.
Humans typically have ten digits on their hands.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 17, 2023
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Digit
A representation in data storage.
Each digit in the code stands for a specific action.
Sara Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Figure
Figures One of the digits specified as making up a larger number
A salary in the six figures.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
(Mathematics) A geometric form consisting of any combination of points, lines, or planes
A triangle is a plane figure.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
The outline, form, or silhouette of a thing
Saw the figure of a cat in the window.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Digit
A unit of length derived from the breadth of a finger and equal to about 34 of an inch (2.0 centimeters).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
The shape or form of a human body
A fashion model with an attractive figure.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
An indistinct object or shape
The figures in the mist turned out to be lampposts.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Digit
Digits Slang A telephone number
She gave me her digits, and I put them in my phone.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Digit
(mathematics) The whole numbers from 0 to 9 and the Arabic numerals representing them, which are combined to represent base-ten numbers.
The number 123.4 has four digits: the hundreds digit is 1, the tens digit is 2, the units digit is 3, and the tenths digit is 4.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Digit
(mathematics) A distinct symbol representing one of an arithmetic progression of numbers between 0 and the radix.
Hexadecimal numeration (Base sixteen) includes the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 but also A (=10 decimal), B, C, D, E, and F. Sixteen itself is written as the two-digit number 10.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
A pictorial or sculptural representation, especially of the human body.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Digit
The apparent diameter of the sun or moon, (chiefly) as a measure of the totality of an eclipse.
A six-digit eclipse covers half the lunar surface.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Digit
A unit of length notionally based upon the width of an adult human finger, standardized differently in various places and times, (especially) the English digit of 16{{nbsp}}foot, now equivalent to about 1.9{{nbsp}}cm.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Digit
(anatomy) A narrow extremity of the human hand or foot: a finger, thumb, or toe.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
(Music) A brief melodic or harmonic unit often constituting the basis of a larger phrase or structure.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
(Logic) Any one of the forms that a syllogism can take, given one of the four possible arrangements of the middle term.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Digit
One of the terminal divisions of a limb appendage; a finger or toe.
The ruminants have the "cloven foot," i. e., two hoofed digits on each foot.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
(Mathematics) To calculate with numbers
Figured the sum to be nearly a million.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Digit
One of the ten figures or symbols, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, by which all numbers are expressed; - so called because of the use of the fingers in counting and computing.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Digit
One twelfth part of the diameter of the sun or moon; - a term used to express the quantity of an eclipse; as, an eclipse of eight digits is one which hides two thirds of the diameter of the disk.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
To write a sequence of conventionalized numbers below or above (the bassline) to indicate harmony.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Digit
One of the elements that collectively form a system of numbers;
0 and 1 are digits
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
To conclude, believe, or predict
I never figured that this would happen.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Digit
A finger or toe in human beings or corresponding part in other vertebrates
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
To be or seem important or prominent
A key fact that figures in our understanding of what happened.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
(Informal) To seem reasonable or expected
“I found my keys in the sofa.” “Well, that figures, given that you were sitting there last night.”.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modelling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body.
A figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person.
He cut a sorry figure standing there in the rain.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
(obsolete) Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendour; show.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
A human figure, which dress or corset must fit to; the shape of a human body.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
A visible pattern as in wood or cloth.
The muslin was of a pretty figure.''
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
(logic) The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
(astrology) A horoscope; the diagram of the aspects of the astrological houses.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
(music) Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
(music) A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a motif; a florid embellishment.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
To come to understand.
I can’t figure if he’s telling the truth or lying.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
To be reasonable.
It figures that somebody like him would be upset about the situation.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
(obsolete) To represent by a figure, as to form or mould; to make an image of, either palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
(music) To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
The form of anything; shape; outline; appearance.
Flowers have all exquisite figures.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modeling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body; as, a figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble.
A coin that bears the figure of an angel.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
A pattern in cloth, paper, or other manufactured article; a design wrought out in a fabric; as, the muslin was of a pretty figure.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
A diagram or drawing, made to represent a magnitude or the relation of two or more magnitudes; a surface or space inclosed on all sides; - called superficial when inclosed by lines, and solid when inclosed by surfaces; any arrangement made up of points, lines, angles, surfaces, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person; as, a sorry figure.
I made some figure there.
Gentlemen of the best figure in the county.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendor; show.
That he may live in figure and indulgence.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
A character or symbol representing a number; a numeral; a digit; as, 1, 2,3, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
Value, as expressed in numbers; price; as, the goods are estimated or sold at a low figure.
With nineteen thousand a year at the very lowest figure.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
A person, thing, or action, conceived of as analogous to another person, thing, or action, of which it thus becomes a type or representative.
Who is the figure of Him that was to come.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
A mode of expressing abstract or immaterial ideas by words which suggest pictures or images from the physical world; pictorial language; a trope; hence, any deviation from the plainest form of statement. Also called a figure of speech.
To represent the imagination under the figure of a wing.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a musical phrase or motive; a florid embellishment.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
To represent by a figure, as to form or mold; to make an image of, either palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape.
If love, alas! be pain I bear,
No thought can figure, and no tongue declare.Prior.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
To embellish with design; to adorn with figures.
The vaulty top of heavenFigured quite o'er with burning meteors.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
To indicate by numerals; also, to compute.
As through a crystal glass the figured hours are seen.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
To represent by a metaphor; to signify or symbolize.
Whose white vestments figure innocence.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
To make a figure; to be distinguished or conspicious; as, the envoy figured at court.
Sociable, hospitable, eloquent, admired, figuring away brilliantly.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
To calculate; to contrive; to scheme; as, he is figuring to secure the nomination.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
A diagram or picture illustrating textual material;
The area covered can be seen from Figure 2
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
Alternative names for the body of a human being;
Leonardo studied the human body
He has a strong physique
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
One of the elements that collectively form a system of numbers;
0 and 1 are digits
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
A model of a bodily form (especially of a person);
He made a figure of Santa Claus
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
A well-known or notable person;
They studied all the great names in the history of France
She is an important figure in modern music
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
A combination of points and lines and planes that form a visible palpable shape
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
An amount of money expressed numerically;
A figure of $17 was suggested
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
The impression produced by a person;
He cut a fine figure
A heroic figure
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
The property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals;
He had a number of chores to do
The number of parameters is small
The figure was about a thousand
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
A unitary percept having structure and coherence that is the object of attention and that stands out against a ground
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
A predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating;
She made the best score on compulsory figures
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
Be or play a part of or in;
Elections figure prominently in every government program
How do the elections figure in the current pattern of internal politics?
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
Imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind;
I can't see him on horseback!
I can see what will happen
I can see a risk in this strategy
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Figure
A diagram or illustration.
The figure in the textbook explained the concept well.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Figure
Statistical or factual numerical information.
The sales figures were encouraging.
Harlon Moss
Sep 17, 2023
FAQs
What does figure mean?
Figure can refer to a numerical symbol, a shape, a diagram, or even statistical data.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
What does digit mean?
Digit refers to any of the numerals from 0 to 9 used in the decimal numbering system.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Can a figure be a digit?
Yes, a figure can be a digit but it can also be more than that, like a multi-digit number.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Can a digit be a figure?
Yes, a digit is a specific type of figure; it's one of the numerals from 0 to 9.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 17, 2023
Can figure refer to shapes?
Yes, in geometry, "figure" can refer to shapes like circles, squares, etc.
Janet White
Sep 17, 2023
Can a single-digit number be a figure?
Yes, a single-digit number like 5 is also considered a figure.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Is figure used in art?
Yes, "figure" can refer to a shape or form in art, as well as a person's bodily shape.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Are digits only numerical?
Primarily, yes, but the term can also refer to fingers and toes in anatomy.
Harlon Moss
Sep 17, 2023
Can figure refer to diagrams?
Yes, "figure" can also mean a diagram or illustration, especially in textbooks.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 17, 2023
What is a 'three-figure number'?
A 'three-figure number' is a number with three digits, like 100 or 999.
Harlon Moss
Sep 17, 2023
Can figures be statistical?
Yes, "figure" can refer to statistical or factual numerical data.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Are the terms digit and figure interchangeable?
No, they are not fully interchangeable due to their different scopes and additional meanings.
Harlon Moss
Sep 17, 2023
Can digits be in binary form?
Yes, in a binary system, a digit can be either 0 or 1.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 17, 2023
Is 'digit' used in technology?
Yes, 'digit' can refer to a display unit on electronic devices like digital clocks.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
