---
title: 6.4 Function Return Values
description: "A function return value is the value sent back to the calling code using the `return` statement. The function's return type determines the type of value it can return. ``` #include int calculateSum(int a, int b) { return a +…"
url: "https://magenta-tarsier-454184.hostingersite.com/docs/c-programming/c-functions/6-4-function-return-values/"
updated: "2026-10-27"
category: C Programming / Functions
---

# 6.4 Function Return Values

A function return value is the value sent back to the calling code using the `return` statement. The function's return type determines the type of value it can return.

```
#include <stdio.h>

int calculateSum(int a, int b)
{
    return a + b;
}

float calculateAverage(int total, int count)
{
    return (float)total / count;
}

int main(void)
{
    int sum = calculateSum(10, 20);
    float average = calculateAverage(sum, 4);

    printf("Sum = %dn", sum);
    printf("Average = %.2fn", average);

    return 0;
}
```

### Example Output

```
Sum = 30
Average = 7.50
```

### Explanation

The function `calculateSum()` returns an integer:

```
return a + b;
```

When called with `10` and `20`, it returns `30`. That value is stored in `sum`.

The function `calculateAverage()` returns a `float`:

```
return (float)total / count;
```

The cast converts `total` to `float` before division, so the division uses floating-point arithmetic rather than integer division.

### Return Types

| Return type | Example | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `int` | `return 10;` | Returns an integer value |
| `float` | `return 3.5f;` | Returns a floating-point value |
| `char` | `return 'A';` | Returns a character value |
| `void` | `return;` | Returns without providing a value |

A function declared with a non-`void` return type must not be used as though it returns a valid value if execution reaches the end of the function without returning one. In C, reaching the closing brace of `main()` is equivalent to returning `0`; this special rule does not apply to other non-`void` functions.

A `return` statement also terminates the current function immediately. Any statements following the executed `return` statement in that path are not executed.