# How to determine the range of a number represented in IEEE-754 format?

Given a format: say 12-bit floating point with sign bit, 5 - bit biased exponent and 6- bit significant with implied bit, how do i go about determining the range of values which can be represented. I have tried various times and each time i got a different answer. I'm afraid i'm not quite sure how to approach this problem.

• Could you edit in your approaches? Maybe we can hint you in the right direction. – dtt Oct 22 '16 at 6:40
• What have you tried? Where did you get stuck? We do not want to just hand you the solution; we want you to gain understanding. However, as it is we do not know what your underlying problem is, so we can not begin to help. See here for tips on asking questions about exercise problems. If you are uncertain how to improve your question, why not ask around in Computer Science Chat? – Raphael Oct 22 '16 at 7:58
• You can use google to find an exact description for the 32 and 64 bit formats. For example 32 bit format has an 8-bit biased exponent and a 23 bit significant with implied bit, so you can adapt your answer straight from that. – gnasher729 Oct 23 '16 at 11:54