OverflowError: math range error in Python

OverflowError: math range error in Python #

The Python "OverflowError: math range error" occurs when the result of a mathematical calculation is too large. Use a try/except block to handle the error or use the numpy module if you have to manipulate larger numbers.

Here is an example of how the error occurs.

Copied!
import math

# ⛔️ OverflowError: math range error
result = math.exp(100000)

The number we are trying to calculate is too large and it would take quite a while for the operation to complete, so an OverflowError is raised.

One way to handle the error is to use a try/except block.

Copied!
import math

try:
    result = math.exp(100000)
except OverflowError:
    result = math.inf

print(result)  # 👉️ inf

If calling the math.exp() method with the specified number raises an OverflowError, the except block is run.

In the except block, we set the result variable to positive infinity.

The math.inf property returns a floating-point positive infinity.

It is equivalent to using float('inf').

An alternative approach is to install and use the numpy module.

Open your terminal in your project's root directory and install the numpy module.

Copied!
pip install numpy

Now you can import and use the numpy module.

Copied!
import numpy as np

result = np.exp(100000)

print(result)  # 👉️ inf

You might get a runtime warning when running the code sample, but an error is not raised.

You can view the methods that are supported by the numpy package in the sidebar of the official docs.

Conclusion #

The Python "OverflowError: math range error" occurs when the result of a mathematical calculation is too large. Use a try/except block to handle the error or use the numpy module if you have to manipulate larger numbers.