Float or Decimal in SQL Server: Which Data Type for Double Values?

Representing Double Data Type in SQL Server

In SQL Server, storing double values can be done using either the float or decimal data type. When making this decision, it's crucial to consider your specific requirements, particularly the precision needed for your values.

For cases where high precision is essential, as in storing latitude and longitude coordinates, the float data type is the preferred choice. SQL Server's float type is equivalent to the double data type in C#, offering 64-bit precision. This provides ample accuracy for representing geographic coordinates.

While the decimal data type in SQL Server can also store floating-point numbers, it's generally recommended for scenarios requiring exact decimal values rather than floating-point approximations. In such cases, the decimal data type provides precise storage and calculation for monetary or mathematical operations.

For storing latitude and longitude values, which require precision up to 5 decimal places, the float(24) or decimal(8,5) data types in SQL Server are optimal. They offer sufficient accuracy for representing these values with millimeter-level precision.

In summary, when dealing with double values in SQL Server, float is the best option for high precision and accuracy, while decimal is appropriate when dealing with exact decimal values.

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