How to convert decimal string in python to a number? [duplicate]

Question

Possible Duplicate:
Python - Parse String to Float or Int

How can I convert '1.03' (string) to a number in Python, preferably a decimal ?

Daniel DiPaolo · Accepted Answer · 2011-07-22 18:59:33Z

29

Just use float()

>>> float('1.03')
1.03

If you need an actual Decimal type, use the decimal module:

>>> from decimal import *
>>> Decimal('1.03')
Decimal('1.03')

In general, using floats will be easier for you, but you pay for that with the inexact precision that comes with floats.

answered Jul 22, 2011 at 18:59

Daniel DiPaolo

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1 Comment

Of course, a float isn't a decimal and will have trouble with some decimal numbers.

agf · Accepted Answer · 2011-07-22 19:00:34Z

7

float, int, and decimal can automatically convert valid strings.

For example:

float('1.03')

answered Jul 22, 2011 at 19:00

agf

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int('1.03') is going fail, though. You'll need something like int(float('1.03')) for that.