How to find machine epsilon in python

In this tutorial, we are going to learn how to find the machine epsilon in Python.

In numerical computations, it’s crucial to understand the precision limits of your calculations.

One fundamental concept regarding this is machine epsilon. Which is the smallest positive value that when added to 1.0 then it results in a different value from that of 1.0. understanding this machine epsilon concept helps in recognizing the limitations of the floating point numbers in your computer.

What is Machine Epsilon?

Machine epsilon or Machine precision is an upper bound on the relative approximation error due to rounding in the floating point numbers system.

Finding machine epsilon in Python using Numpy

There is a simplest way to find the machine epsilon in Python using Numpy Library.

here’s the code to find out the machine epsilon using Numpy in Python :

#import the numpy library
import numpy as np

eps = np.finfo(float).eps
print("Machine epsilon:',eps)

output:

Machine epsilon: 2.220446049250313e-16

the ‘np.info’ function will provide the information about the limits of  floating-point numbers and .eps specifically gives the machine epsilons.

Conclusion:

This is how you can find machine epsilon in Python using the numPy library.

Knowing the machine epsilon of your system is very important for numerical computations, as it defines the precision limit of floating-point Numbers.

Whether you use a library like numpy or implement it in your own function in plain Python, finding this value is a fundamental step in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of your calculations.

Hope this tutorial helps.