Difference between / vs. // operator in Python

In Python, both / and // are used for division, but they behave quite differently. Let's dive into what they do and how they differ with simple examples.

/ Operator (True Division)

• The / operator performs true division.
• It always returns a floating-point number (even if the result is a whole number).
• It keeps the decimal (fractional) part.

Example:

res = 10 / 3

print(res)
print(type(res))

3.3333333333333335
<class 'float'>

Explanation:

• Dividing 10 by 3 gives 3.333..., and / keeps the fractional part
• Data-type of res is float.

// Operator (Floor Division)

• The // operator performs floor division.
• It returns the largest integer less than or equal to the division result.
• It truncates (removes) the decimal part and rounds down towards negative infinity.

Example:

res = 10 // 3 
 
print(res)
print(type(res))

3
<class 'int'>

Explanation:

• The actual division result is 3.333..., but // drops everything after the decimal, giving 3.
• Data-type of res here is int.

Comparison between '/' and '//'

Related articles: Python, Python Operators.