Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
An overflow error occurs when a computer program or system tries to store a value that is too large to be represented within the available memory or data type. This can lead to unexpected and incorrect results.
Related terms
Underflow Error: An underflow error occurs when a computer program or system tries to store a value that is too small (close to zero) for the available memory or data type.
A data type defines the kind of values that can be stored and manipulated in a programming language. Different data types have different ranges and limitations.
Integer Overflow: Integer overflow specifically refers to an overflow error that occurs when trying to store an integer value outside the range defined by its data type.