Math Dictionary / Whole Number
Whole Number
A whole number is 0 or a positive counting number.
Number SystemGrade 3Grade 4Grade 5Grade 6GED
What it means
Whole numbers are 0, 1, 2, 3, and so on. They do not include fractions, decimals, or negative numbers.
Also called: nonnegative integer
Examples
| 0 is a whole number |
| 12 is a whole number |
| -3 is not a whole number |
Common mistake
Whole numbers include 0, but they do not include negative numbers.
Try one
Question: Is 8.5 a whole number?
Show answer
No. 8.5 is a decimal, not a whole number.