What does numeric mean?
Numeric means relating to numbers or to numerical values. It can describe information that is expressed through measurements, counts, percentages, or other mathematical quantities: for example, a chart may contain numeric data rather than names or categories. The adjective is especially common in computing, databases, spreadsheets, and data analysis, where it distinguishes values represented as numbers from fields containing letters or other non-numeric text. In everyday and academic writing, numeric often overlaps with numerical, though numeric is particularly frequent in technical language. A numeric value can still be wrong or misleading, so the term describes the form or type of data, not its reliability. The word is useful because it makes explicit whether a subject concerns mathematical quantities rather than purely verbal or categorical information.
adjectiveRelating to, consisting of, or expressed in numbers. In computing and data analysis, numeric often specifically means consisting of or involving numerical values rather than text.
- Relating to numbers or numerical values.
- Consisting of numerical values, especially in computing or data processing.
"The analyst converted the categorical responses into a numeric format for further analysis."
"The report includes both numeric data and written commentary."
"The form contains numeric fields for each measurement."
Numeric is the computer's way of asking a blunt question: is this value a number, or merely something that looks like one?
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does numeric come from?
Numeric derives from Latin numericus, an adjective meaning “of or relating to numbers.” That form is connected with numerus, “number,” and the broader Indo-European tradition of numerical terminology that includes English number, numeral, numerous, and enumerate. English adopted numeric in the 16th century, initially in mathematical and scholarly contexts, and its use expanded with the development of computing and data processing.
Related word forms
How numeric is actually used
Numeric is widely used in computing, data processing, and statistics. In general prose, numerical may sound somewhat more formal or traditional, while numeric is common in technical contexts.
Easily confused with numeric
Both words mean relating to numbers, but numeric is especially common in computing and data contexts, whereas numerical is often used in more general technical or academic descriptions.