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 Elementary Data Types (Numeric)
 
 ■ Visual Basic supports three kinds of numeric data types:
 
   Keyword (Data Type)   Description
   ═══════════════════   ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════
   INTEGER, LONG         Integers are stored as 16-bit binary numbers (2
   (integer)             bytes) ranging in value from -32,768 to 32,767.
                         Long integers are stored as signed 32-bit binary
                         numbers (4 bytes) ranging in value from
                         -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647.
 
   SINGLE, DOUBLE        Single-precision values occupy 4 bytes, or 32 bits:
   (floating-point)      • 1 bit for the sign
                         • 8 bits for the exponent
                         • 23 bits for the mantissa and an implied bit
                         Double-precision values occupy 8 bytes, or 64 bits:
                         • 1 bit for the sign
                         • 11 bits for the exponent and an implied bit
                         • 52 actual bits for the mantissa
 
   CURRENCY (currency)   A currency number is stored as an 8-byte two's
                         complement integer, scaled by 10,000 to give a
                         fixed-point number with 15 digits to the left of
                         the decimal point and 4 digits to the right.
                         This representation gives a range from
                         -922337203685477.5808 through 922337203685477.5807.
   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
   Note: All Visual Basic integers are represented as two's complement
   values, the most common way of representing integers on a computer.
 
 ■ Visual Basic uses IEEE-format floating-point numbers rather than the
   Microsoft Binary format used in earlier versions of Microsoft Basic. IEEE
   format gives more accurate results and makes it possible to use a math
   coprocessor (for example, an 8087, 80287, or 80387).
 
 ■ Floating-point values are represented in a different format from
   integers. Each floating-point value consists of three parts: the sign,
   the exponent, and the mantissa.
 
 ■ The CURRENCY data type is extremely useful for calculations involving
   money, or for any fixed-point calculation where accuracy is more
   important. Since currency numbers are stored as integers, Visual Basic
   uses integer routines for ABS, SGN, FIX, INT, - (negation), + (addition),
   and - (subtraction).
   See: ◄ABS Function►  ◄SGN Function►  ◄FIX Function►  ◄INT Function►
 
 See: ◄Basic Data Types Summary►