---
title: 6.5 Ignoring a Function Return Value
description: "A function that returns a value can be called without storing or otherwise using that value. The function still executes, but its returned value is discarded by the caller. ``` #include int calculateSum(int a, int b) { printf(\"Calculating sumn\"); return…"
url: "https://edcret.in/docs/c-programming/c-functions/6-5-ignoring-a-function-return-value/"
updated: "2026-10-27"
category: C Programming / Functions
---

# 6.5 Ignoring a Function Return Value

A function that returns a value can be called without storing or otherwise using that value. The function still executes, but its returned value is discarded by the caller.

```
#include <stdio.h>

int calculateSum(int a, int b)
{
    printf("Calculating sumn");
    return a + b;
}

int main(void)
{
    calculateSum(10, 20);

    int result = calculateSum(5, 7);

    printf("Stored result = %dn", result);

    return 0;
}
```

### Example Output

```
Calculating sum
Calculating sum
Stored result = 12
```

### Explanation

The first function call:

```
calculateSum(10, 20);
```

executes the function, prints the message, and returns `30`. The caller does not use the returned value.

The second call:

```
int result = calculateSum(5, 7);
```

executes the same function and stores its returned value, `12`, in `result`.

### Using and Ignoring Return Values

| Function call | Behavior |
| --- | --- |
| `calculateSum(10, 20);` | Executes the function and discards its return value |
| `int result = calculateSum(5, 7);` | Stores the returned value |
| `printf("%dn", calculateSum(2, 3));` | Passes the returned value to another function |

Ignoring a return value is valid C syntax, even when the function's return type is not `void`. However, the return value may indicate whether an operation succeeded or failed, so discarding it can be inappropriate when the result needs to be checked.

For example, functions such as `scanf()` and `malloc()` return information that often must be checked to ensure correct program behavior.