How to Convert a Decimal to a Double in C#

While programming, we have a choice for multiple data types. Data types can store information in the form of numbers and characters. Sometimes we need to convert a value from one data type to another. This article covers how to convert a decimal value to a double in C# using the Decimal.ToDouble() method, including its syntax, parameters, return value, and code example.

Differences Between Decimal and Double Data Types

A decimal is a data type that represents a precise decimal number with up to 28-29 significant digits. It’s commonly used for calculations where high precision and accuracy are demanded.

A double is a specific type of data used to store numeric values with a double-precision floating-point format, capable of representing numbers with 15-16 significant digits. It’s faster and uses less memory than the decimal type, but it’s less precise and should not be used for financial calculations or other applications that require high precision.

Convert a Decimal to a Double Using Decimal.ToDouble() Method in C#

When it comes to handling decimal numbers in C#, the decimal class provides a variety of methods to manipulate and convert them. One such method is the Decimal.ToDouble(), this function can convert any input decimal value to double output format.

Syntax

The syntax for the Decimal.ToDouble() method is as follows:

public static double ToDouble(decimal d);

As we can see, the method is declared static, which means that it can be called without creating an instance of the Decimal class. The method contains one parameter that is of decimal type, which is the value to be converted to a double.

Parameter

The Decimal.ToDouble() method takes a single parameter, which is of type decimal. This parameter is the value to be converted to a double.

It should be noted that if the decimal value is outside the range of a double or contains more significant digits than a double can represent, the conversion will fail and an OverflowException will be thrown.

Return

The Decimal.ToDouble() method returns a double value that represents the decimal value passed as a parameter. If the decimal value is successfully converted to a double, the method returns the converted value. An exception will be thrown by the code if conversion is failed.

Example Code that Uses Decimal.ToDouble() Method

Let’s take a look at a C# example code that uses the Decimal.ToDouble() method to convert a decimal value to a double value:

using System;

class Program
{
static void Main()
{
decimal decimalValue = 123.45M;
double doubleValue = Decimal.ToDouble(decimalValue);
Console.WriteLine("Decimal value: " + decimalValue);
Console.WriteLine("Double value: " + doubleValue);
}
}

In the above code, we first declare a decimal variable named decimalValue and initialize it with the value 123.45M. We then use the Decimal.ToDouble() method to convert the decimalValue to a double value and assign it to the doubleValue variable. At last, we printed both the decimal and double values to the console.

When we run the code, the output should be as follows:

As we can see, the decimal value is successfully converted to a double value using the Decimal.ToDouble() method.

Conclusion

The Decimal.ToDouble() method is a useful method for converting decimal values to double values in C#. By understanding its syntax, parameter, and return value, one can use this method effectively in C# programs.