Digit vs. Figure: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on September 29, 2023
Digit refers to any of the numerals from 0 to 9, while figure can refer to any numerical symbol, including digits but also larger numbers and even mathematical shapes.
Key Differences
Digit is a term that specifically describes the numerals from 0 through 9. These are the building blocks of our numerical system and are used to form more complex numbers. Figure, however, has a broader range of meanings; it can refer to any numeral, including multi-digit numbers, and even refer to non-numerical representations like shapes.
In mathematics, a digit is always a single unit and is associated strictly with numerical representation. Figure, conversely, can also refer to graphical representations such as two-dimensional shapes in geometry, which is a departure from strictly numerical interpretation.
When discussing the constituents of a larger number, one would refer to each individual component as a digit. For instance, in the number 235, there are three digits: 2, 3, and 5. Figure, however, could refer to the whole number 235 as a "three-figure number," emphasizing its magnitude rather than its components.
It's worth noting that digit also has a biological meaning, referring to fingers or toes in anatomy. Figure, on the other hand, can also be a term in art and literature, referring to the form or shape of something or even a person's bodily shape, showing its versatility as a word.
In everyday language, people might use figure to refer to a number that represents statistical or factual information ("the figures show an increase in sales"). In such contexts, digit would be too narrow a term to describe these potentially large or complex numbers.
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Comparison Chart
Scope
Single numeral 0-9
Numerical symbol, larger numbers, shapes
Mathematical Usage
Strictly numerical
Broader (can include shapes)
Constituents of Numbers
Individual components
Can refer to whole numbers
Additional Meanings
Biological (fingers, toes)
Artistic, Statistical
Complexity
Simple
More versatile and complex
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Digit and Figure Definitions
Digit
A numeral from 0 to 9.
The digit 5 is between 4 and 6.
Figure
A person's bodily shape.
The dress flattered her figure.
Digit
A display unit on electronic devices.
The digit on the clock flashed midnight.
Figure
A written or printed symbol representing something other than a letter, especially a number.
Digit
A finger or toe in anatomy.
Humans typically have ten digits on their hands.
Figure
Figures Mathematical calculations
Good at figures.
Digit
A unit in a numbering system.
The binary digit can be 0 or 1.
Figure
An amount represented in numbers
Sold for a large figure.
Digit
A representation in data storage.
Each digit in the code stands for a specific action.
Figure
Figures One of the digits specified as making up a larger number
A salary in the six figures.
Digit
A human finger or toe.
Figure
(Mathematics) A geometric form consisting of any combination of points, lines, or planes
A triangle is a plane figure.
Digit
A corresponding part in other vertebrates.
Figure
The outline, form, or silhouette of a thing
Saw the figure of a cat in the window.
Digit
A unit of length derived from the breadth of a finger and equal to about 34 of an inch (2.0 centimeters).
Figure
The shape or form of a human body
A fashion model with an attractive figure.
Digit
One of the ten Arabic number symbols, 0 through 9.
Figure
An indistinct object or shape
The figures in the mist turned out to be lampposts.
Digit
Such a symbol used in a system of numeration.
Figure
A person, especially a well-known one
A famous historical figure.
Digit
Digits Slang A telephone number
She gave me her digits, and I put them in my phone.
Figure
Impression or appearance made
Cut a dashing figure at the reception.
Digit
(mathematics) The whole numbers from 0 to 9 and the Arabic numerals representing them, which are combined to represent base-ten numbers.
The number 123.4 has four digits: the hundreds digit is 1, the tens digit is 2, the units digit is 3, and the tenths digit is 4.
Figure
A person, animal, or object that symbolizes something.
Digit
(mathematics) A distinct symbol representing one of an arithmetic progression of numbers between 0 and the radix.
Hexadecimal numeration (Base sixteen) includes the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 but also A (=10 decimal), B, C, D, E, and F. Sixteen itself is written as the two-digit number 10.
Figure
A pictorial or sculptural representation, especially of the human body.
Digit
The apparent diameter of the sun or moon, (chiefly) as a measure of the totality of an eclipse.
A six-digit eclipse covers half the lunar surface.
Figure
A diagram
Drew a figure of the office layout.
Digit
A unit of length notionally based upon the width of an adult human finger, standardized differently in various places and times, (especially) the English digit of 16{{nbsp}}foot, now equivalent to about 1.9{{nbsp}}cm.
Figure
A design or pattern, as in a textile
Silk with a paisley figure.
Digit
Syn of inch.
Figure
An illustration printed from an engraved plate or block.
Digit
(anatomy) A narrow extremity of the human hand or foot: a finger, thumb, or toe.
Figure
A configuration or distinct group of steps in a dance.
Digit
(zoology) Similar or similar-looking structures in other animals.
Figure
A pattern traced by a series of movements, as in ice skating.
Digit
Syn of degreeof a circle.
Figure
(Music) A brief melodic or harmonic unit often constituting the basis of a larger phrase or structure.
Digit
(transitive) To point at or point out with the finger.
Figure
(Logic) Any one of the forms that a syllogism can take, given one of the four possible arrangements of the middle term.
Digit
One of the terminal divisions of a limb appendage; a finger or toe.
The ruminants have the "cloven foot," i. e., two hoofed digits on each foot.
Figure
(Mathematics) To calculate with numbers
Figured the sum to be nearly a million.
Digit
A finger's breadth, commonly estimated to be three fourths of an inch.
Figure
To make a likeness of; depict.
Digit
One of the ten figures or symbols, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, by which all numbers are expressed; - so called because of the use of the fingers in counting and computing.
Figure
To adorn with a design or figures.
Digit
One twelfth part of the diameter of the sun or moon; - a term used to express the quantity of an eclipse; as, an eclipse of eight digits is one which hides two thirds of the diameter of the disk.
Figure
To write a sequence of conventionalized numbers below or above (the bassline) to indicate harmony.
Digit
To point at or out with the finger.
Figure
To embellish with an ornamental pattern.
Digit
One of the elements that collectively form a system of numbers;
0 and 1 are digits
Figure
To conclude, believe, or predict
I never figured that this would happen.
Digit
The length of breadth of a finger used as a linear measure
Figure
To consider or regard
Figured them as con artists.
Digit
A finger or toe in human beings or corresponding part in other vertebrates
Figure
(Mathematics) To calculate; compute.
Figure
To be or seem important or prominent
A key fact that figures in our understanding of what happened.
Figure
To be pertinent or involved
His advice barely figured in my decision.
Figure
(Informal) To seem reasonable or expected
“I found my keys in the sofa.” “Well, that figures, given that you were sitting there last night.”.
Figure
A drawing or diagram conveying information.
Figure
The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modelling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body.
A figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble
Figure
A person or thing representing a certain consciousness.
Figure
The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person.
He cut a sorry figure standing there in the rain.
Figure
(obsolete) Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendour; show.
Figure
A human figure, which dress or corset must fit to; the shape of a human body.
Figure
A numeral.
Figure
A number, an amount.
Figure
A shape.
A geometrical figure, a plane figure, a solid figure
Figure
A visible pattern as in wood or cloth.
The muslin was of a pretty figure.''
Figure
Any complex dance moveW.
Figure
A figure of speech.
Figure
(logic) The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.
Figure
(astrology) A horoscope; the diagram of the aspects of the astrological houses.
Figure
(music) Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.
Figure
(music) A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a motif; a florid embellishment.
Figure
To calculate, to solve a mathematical problem.
Figure
To come to understand.
I can’t figure if he’s telling the truth or lying.
Figure
To think, to assume, to suppose, to reckon.
Figure
To be reasonable.
It figures that somebody like him would be upset about the situation.
Figure
(intransitive) To enter into; to be a part of.
Figure
(obsolete) To represent by a figure, as to form or mould; to make an image of, either palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape.
Figure
To embellish with design; to adorn with figures.
Figure
(obsolete) To indicate by numerals.
Figure
To represent by a metaphor; to signify or symbolize.
Figure
(obsolete) To prefigure; to foreshow.
Figure
(music) To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords.
Figure
(music) To embellish.
Figure
The form of anything; shape; outline; appearance.
Flowers have all exquisite figures.
Figure
The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modeling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body; as, a figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble.
A coin that bears the figure of an angel.
Figure
A pattern in cloth, paper, or other manufactured article; a design wrought out in a fabric; as, the muslin was of a pretty figure.
Figure
A diagram or drawing, made to represent a magnitude or the relation of two or more magnitudes; a surface or space inclosed on all sides; - called superficial when inclosed by lines, and solid when inclosed by surfaces; any arrangement made up of points, lines, angles, surfaces, etc.
Figure
The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person; as, a sorry figure.
I made some figure there.
Gentlemen of the best figure in the county.
Figure
Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendor; show.
That he may live in figure and indulgence.
Figure
A character or symbol representing a number; a numeral; a digit; as, 1, 2,3, etc.
Figure
Value, as expressed in numbers; price; as, the goods are estimated or sold at a low figure.
With nineteen thousand a year at the very lowest figure.
Figure
A person, thing, or action, conceived of as analogous to another person, thing, or action, of which it thus becomes a type or representative.
Who is the figure of Him that was to come.
Figure
A mode of expressing abstract or immaterial ideas by words which suggest pictures or images from the physical world; pictorial language; a trope; hence, any deviation from the plainest form of statement. Also called a figure of speech.
To represent the imagination under the figure of a wing.
Figure
The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.
Figure
Any one of the several regular steps or movements made by a dancer.
Figure
A horoscope; the diagram of the aspects of the astrological houses.
Figure
Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.
Figure
A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a musical phrase or motive; a florid embellishment.
Figure
To represent by a figure, as to form or mold; to make an image of, either palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape.
If love, alas! be pain I bear,
No thought can figure, and no tongue declare.Prior.
Figure
To embellish with design; to adorn with figures.
The vaulty top of heavenFigured quite o'er with burning meteors.
Figure
To indicate by numerals; also, to compute.
As through a crystal glass the figured hours are seen.
Figure
To represent by a metaphor; to signify or symbolize.
Whose white vestments figure innocence.
Figure
To prefigure; to foreshow.
In this the heaven figures some event.
Figure
To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords.
Figure
To make a figure; to be distinguished or conspicious; as, the envoy figured at court.
Sociable, hospitable, eloquent, admired, figuring away brilliantly.
Figure
To calculate; to contrive; to scheme; as, he is figuring to secure the nomination.
Figure
A diagram or picture illustrating textual material;
The area covered can be seen from Figure 2
Figure
Alternative names for the body of a human being;
Leonardo studied the human body
He has a strong physique
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
Figure
One of the elements that collectively form a system of numbers;
0 and 1 are digits
Figure
A model of a bodily form (especially of a person);
He made a figure of Santa Claus
Figure
A well-known or notable person;
They studied all the great names in the history of France
She is an important figure in modern music
Figure
A combination of points and lines and planes that form a visible palpable shape
Figure
An amount of money expressed numerically;
A figure of $17 was suggested
Figure
The impression produced by a person;
He cut a fine figure
A heroic figure
Figure
The property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals;
He had a number of chores to do
The number of parameters is small
The figure was about a thousand
Figure
Language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense
Figure
A unitary percept having structure and coherence that is the object of attention and that stands out against a ground
Figure
A decorative or artistic work;
The coach had a design on the doors
Figure
A predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating;
She made the best score on compulsory figures
Figure
Judge to be probable
Figure
Be or play a part of or in;
Elections figure prominently in every government program
How do the elections figure in the current pattern of internal politics?
Figure
Imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind;
I can't see him on horseback!
I can see what will happen
I can see a risk in this strategy
Figure
Make a mathematical calculation or computation
Figure
Understand;
He didn't figure her
Figure
A numerical symbol or number.
The figure on the price tag was $20.
Figure
A shape or form.
The figure of the statue was imposing.
Figure
A diagram or illustration.
The figure in the textbook explained the concept well.
Figure
Statistical or factual numerical information.
The sales figures were encouraging.
FAQs
What does figure mean?
Figure can refer to a numerical symbol, a shape, a diagram, or even statistical data.
What does digit mean?
Digit refers to any of the numerals from 0 to 9 used in the decimal numbering system.
Can a figure be a digit?
Yes, a figure can be a digit but it can also be more than that, like a multi-digit number.
Can a digit be a figure?
Yes, a digit is a specific type of figure; it's one of the numerals from 0 to 9.
Can figure refer to shapes?
Yes, in geometry, "figure" can refer to shapes like circles, squares, etc.
Can a single-digit number be a figure?
Yes, a single-digit number like 5 is also considered a figure.
Is figure used in art?
Yes, "figure" can refer to a shape or form in art, as well as a person's bodily shape.
Are digits only numerical?
Primarily, yes, but the term can also refer to fingers and toes in anatomy.
Can figure refer to diagrams?
Yes, "figure" can also mean a diagram or illustration, especially in textbooks.
What is a 'three-figure number'?
A 'three-figure number' is a number with three digits, like 100 or 999.
Can figures be statistical?
Yes, "figure" can refer to statistical or factual numerical data.
How many digits are in 100?
There are three digits in the number 100.
Are the terms digit and figure interchangeable?
No, they are not fully interchangeable due to their different scopes and additional meanings.
Can digits be in binary form?
Yes, in a binary system, a digit can be either 0 or 1.
Is 'digit' used in technology?
Yes, 'digit' can refer to a display unit on electronic devices like digital clocks.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
