Overflow
What Overflow means in Computer Science GCSE, as defined for OCR, Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Overflow
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Overflow in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: Pearson Edexcel
Occurs when a result exceeds the largest storable value, so the extra carry has nowhere to go and the result cannot be stored correctly.
A left shift can cause an overflow error if significant bits are lost, changing the value unexpectedly.
Topics that use Overflow
- Data storage (OCR GCSE)
- Data representation (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
- Bit depth
- Colour depth
- File size calculation
- Resolution
- Sample rate
- Analogue to digital conversion
- Base 16 place value
- Character set
Using Overflow in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Computer Science questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge