---
title: 1.14 Type Conversion
description: "Type conversion changes a value from one data type to another. C++ performs conversions automatically when compatible data types are used together in an expression. This process is known as **implicit type conversion**. This example demonstrates how an integer value…"
url: "https://magenta-tarsier-454184.hostingersite.com/docs/cpp-programming/basic-refreshers-cplusplus/1-14-type-conversion/"
updated: "2026-07-28"
category: C++ Programming / Basic Refreshers
---

# 1.14 Type Conversion

Type conversion changes a value from one data type to another. C++ performs conversions automatically when compatible data types are used together in an expression. This process is known as **implicit type conversion**.

This example demonstrates how an integer value is automatically converted to a floating-point value during assignment.

## Source Code

```
#include <iostream>

int main()
{
    int marks = 85;
    float average = marks;

    std::cout << "Marks: " << marks << '\n';
    std::cout << "Average: " << average << '\n';

    return 0;
}
```

## Output

```
Marks: 85
Average: 85
```

## Explanation

- `int marks = 85;` declares an integer variable and initializes it with the value `85`.
- `float average = marks;` assigns an `int` value to a `float` variable. The compiler automatically converts the integer value to a floating-point value.
- This automatic conversion is called **implicit type conversion** because it is performed without requiring an explicit cast.
- Implicit conversions are performed only when the compiler determines that the conversion is valid.
- `average` stores the value as `85.0`, although the default formatting of `std::cout` omits the trailing decimal part.
- `std::cout` prints both variables using the formatting appropriate for their respective data types.
- `return 0;` terminates the program successfully.