Number vs. Numeral: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 7, 2023
A "Number" is a mathematical object used to count, measure, and label; a "Numeral" is a symbol or word used to represent a number.
Key Differences
"Number" and "Numeral" are two concepts that often create confusion. A number is an abstract concept used to describe quantity, order, and other mathematical concepts. It is a mathematical object used for counting, measuring, and labeling. On the other hand, a numeral is a term used to describe the symbols or words that represent numbers. It is the written or printed symbol used to express the number in its numerical form.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Delving deeper into "Number," it serves as the fundamental building block of mathematics. Numbers allow us to understand quantities, perform calculations, and solve problems. They exist independently of their representations and can be depicted using various numeral systems, such as Roman or Arabic numerals. In contrast, a numeral acts as the written manifestation of the abstract concept of a number. Numerals are what we write or print to denote numbers; they represent the tangible form of numbers.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
In mathematical expressions, the term "Number" denotes the value or quantity itself, which can be real, imaginary, rational, or irrational. It is an integral part of mathematical equations and theories. Conversely, "Numeral" is associated with the notation of numbers. It is the way we encode numbers using a consistent set of symbols or words, such as "three" or "3," which facilitates written communication about numbers.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
In everyday usage, people often use "Number" to refer to the concept of quantity, order, or value. For example, the number of apples, the number of students, etc. Here, "Number" reflects the amount or the value of something. Meanwhile, "Numeral" comes into play when we write or print those numbers. The numerals are the representations, the notations that allow people to understand, share, and use the concept of numbers in a coherent way.
Janet White
Sep 27, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Usage
Used to describe quantity and perform calculations
Used to express numbers in written form
Janet White
Sep 27, 2023
Dependency
Exists independently of representation
Depends on numbers for representation
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Number and Numeral Definitions
Number
An abstract concept representing a quantity.
The number of attendees was higher than expected.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
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Numeral
The written form of a number.
In Arabic numerals, 7 is a numeral representing seven.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Number
A designated numerical place in a sequence.
She finished the race in number three position.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Numeral
The representation of numbers using consistent symbols or words.
The numeral for four can be written as IV in Roman numerals.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Number
A member of the set of positive integers; one of a series of symbols of unique meaning in a fixed order that can be derived by counting.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
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Number
A member of any of the following sets of mathematical objects
Integers, rational numbers, real numbers, and complex numbers. These sets can be derived from the positive integers through various algebraic and analytic constructions.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Numeral
A symbol that is not a word and represents a number, such as the Arabic numerals 1, 2, 3 and the Roman numerals I, V, X, L.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
A numeral or a series of numerals used for reference or identification
His telephone number.
The apartment number.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Numeral
(linguistics) A number word, a simple or compound word for a number often having particular grammatical attributes depending on the language.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
A position in an ordered sequence that corresponds to one of the positive integers
The house that is number three from the corner.
Ranked number six in her class.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Numeral
(card games) A card whose rank is a number (usually including the ace as 1).
Jacks, queens, and kings are not numerals.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
One item in a group or series considered to be in numerical order
An old number of a magazine.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Numeral
Of or pertaining to number; consisting of number or numerals.
A long train of numeral progressions.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
An indefinite quantity of units or individuals
The crowd was small in number. A number of people complained.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Numeral
Expressing number; representing number; as, numeral letters or characters, as X or 10 for ten.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Numeral
A figure or character used to express a number; as, the Arabic numerals, 1, 2, 3, etc.; the Roman numerals, I, V, X, L, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
(Grammar) The indication, as by inflection, of the singularity, duality, or plurality of a linguistic form.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Numeral
A symbol used to represent a number;
He learned to write the numerals before he went to school
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
Metrical feet or lines; verses
"These numbers will I tear, and write in prose" (Shakespeare).
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Numeral
Of or relating to or denoting numbers;
A numeral adjective
Numerical analysis
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Numeral
A symbol or word that represents a number.
In Roman numerals, the numeral X represents ten.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Numeral
A written or printed character denoting a number.
The numeral 5 is written as V in Roman notation.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
Numeral
A figure, symbol, or group of these, expressing a number.
The numeral “100” represents one hundred.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Number
One of the separate offerings in a program of music or other entertainment
The band's second number was a march.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
(Slang) A frequently repeated, characteristic speech, argument, or performance
Suspects doing their usual number—protesting innocence.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
(Slang) A person or thing singled out for a particular characteristic
A crafty number.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
To assign a number to or mark with a number
Did you number the pages of the report?.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
To determine the number or amount of; count
Tickets sold for the show were numbered at 500.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
To total in number or amount; add up to
The ships in the harbor number around 100.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
To have as a total; amount to a number
The applicants numbered in the thousands.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
(countable) An abstract entity used to describe quantity.
Zero, one, −1, 2.5, and pi are all numbers.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
(countable) A numeral: a symbol for a non-negative integer.
The number 8 is usually made with a single stroke.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
An element of one of several sets: natural numbers, integers, rational numbers, real numbers, complex numbers, and sometimes extensions such as hypercomplex numbers, etc.
The equation includes the most important numbers: 1, 0, , , and .
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
(Followed by a numeral; used attributively) Indicating the position of something in a list or sequence. Abbreviations: No or No., no or no. (in each case, sometimes written with a superscript "o", like Nº or №). The symbol "#" is also used in this manner.
Horse number 5 won the race.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
Quantity.
Any number of people can be reading from a given repository at a time.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
A sequence of digits and letters used to register people, automobiles, and various other items.
Her passport number is C01X864TN.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
(grammar) Of a word or phrase, the state of being singular, dual or plural, shown by inflection.
Adjectives and nouns should agree in gender, number, and case.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
(countable) A performance; especially, a single song or song and dance routine within a larger show.
For his second number, he sang "The Moon Shines Bright".
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
A marijuana cigarette, or joint; also, a quantity of marijuana bought from a dealer.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
(dated) An issue of a periodical publication.
The latest number of a magazine
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
A large amount, in contrast to a smaller amount; numerical preponderance.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
(transitive) To label (items) with numbers; to assign numbers to (items).
Number the baskets so that we can find them easily.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
(intransitive) To total or count; to amount to.
I don’t know how many books are in the library, but they must number in the thousands.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
That which admits of being counted or reckoned; a unit, or an aggregate of units; a numerable aggregate or collection of individuals; an assemblage made up of distinct things expressible by figures.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
A collection of many individuals; a numerous assemblage; a multitude; many.
Ladies are always of great use to the party they espouse, and never fail to win over numbers.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
A numeral; a word or character denoting a number; as, to put a number on a door.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
Numerousness; multitude.
Number itself importeth not much in armies where the people are of weak courage.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
The state or quality of being numerable or countable.
Of whom came nations, tribes, people, and kindreds out of number.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
That which is regulated by count; poetic measure, as divisions of time or number of syllables; hence, poetry, verse; - chiefly used in the plural.
I lisped in numbers, for the numbers came.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
The distinction of objects, as one, or more than one (in some languages, as one, or two, or more than two), expressed (usually) by a difference in the form of a word; thus, the singular number and the plural number are the names of the forms of a word indicating the objects denoted or referred to by the word as one, or as more than one.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
The measure of the relation between quantities or things of the same kind; that abstract species of quantity which is capable of being expressed by figures; numerical value.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
To count; to reckon; to ascertain the units of; to enumerate.
If a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
To reckon as one of a collection or multitude.
He was numbered with the transgressors.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
To give or apply a number or numbers to; to assign the place of in a series by order of number; to designate the place of by a number or numeral; as, to number the houses in a street, or the apartments in a building.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
To amount; to equal in number; to contain; to consist of; as, the army numbers fifty thousand.
Thy tears can not number the dead.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
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
Mar 07, 2023
Number
A concept of quantity derived from zero and units;
Every number has a unique position in the sequence
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
A short theatrical performance that is part of a longer program;
He did his act three times every evening
She had a catchy little routine
It was one of the best numbers he ever did
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
A numeral or string of numerals that is used for identification;
She refused to give them her Social Security number
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
The number is used in calling a particular telephone;
He has an unlisted number
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
A symbol used to represent a number;
He learned to write the numerals before he went to school
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
One of a series published periodically;
She found an old issue of the magazine in her dentist's waitingroom
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
A select company of people;
I hope to become one of their number before I die
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
The grammatical category for the forms of nouns and pronouns and verbs that are used depending on the number of entities involved (singular or dual or plural);
In English the subject and the verb must agree in number
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
An item of merchandise offered for sale;
She preferred the black nylon number
This sweater is an all-wool number
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
Add up in number or quantity;
The bills amounted to $2,000
The bill came to $2,000
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
Put into a group;
The academy counts several Nobel Prize winners among its members
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
Determine the number or amount of;
Can you count the books on your shelf?
Count your change
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 07, 2023
Number
A mathematical value used in counting and calculations.
Seven is a prime number.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
Number
A quantity ascertained by counting.
The number of books on the shelf is twenty.
Janet White
Sep 27, 2023
Number
A mathematical object used to measure, label, and calculate.
The number zero is an integer.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
FAQs
Do numerals have numerical value?
No, numerals represent numbers, but they are symbols without numerical value themselves.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Are numbers crucial for mathematics?
Yes, numbers are fundamental for performing calculations and solving mathematical problems.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Is a number a tangible object?
No, a number is an abstract mathematical concept.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Can the concept of number exist without numerals?
Yes, numbers are abstract and can exist independently of numerals.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Can numbers exist without being represented by numerals?
Yes, numbers are abstract concepts and exist independently of their representation.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Can numerals represent negative numbers?
Yes, numerals can represent both positive and negative numbers.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
Is zero a number?
Yes, zero is a number that represents the absence of quantity.
Janet White
Sep 27, 2023
Can a numeral represent more than one number?
No, a specific numeral represents a specific number.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
Can numbers represent fractions or decimals?
Yes, numbers can be whole, fractional, decimal, real, or imaginary.
Janet White
Sep 27, 2023
Can numerals have different forms?
Yes, numerals can be expressed in different numeral systems, like Arabic or Roman numerals.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Do numerals only represent whole numbers?
No, numerals can represent whole numbers, fractions, decimals, etc., depending on the numeral system.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Can the term number refer to a digit?
No, a digit is a numeral or a single symbol used to represent numbers in a positional numeral system.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Are numerals dependent on the concept of numbers?
Yes, numerals are dependent on numbers as they represent them.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Is every number representable by a numeral?
In theory, every number can be represented by a numeral, but some numbers, like certain irrational numbers, cannot be precisely expressed in a numeral system.
Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 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.
