A real type has a set of values that is a subset of real numbers, which can be represented in floating-point notation with a fixed number of digits.

A value's floating-point notation normally is made up of three values--M, B, and E--such that M x B E = N where B is always 2, and both M and E are integral values within the real type's range.

Turbo Pascal provides five predefined real types. Each type has a specific range and precision:

Note: The comp type is a 64-bit integer. It holds only integral values within the range

Turbo Pascal supports two models of floating-point code generation:

You use the $N compiler directive to switch between the two models.

In the $N+ state, the $E compiler directive controls whether to include an 8087 software emulation library in the final program.