---
title: 1.15 Type Casting
description: "Type casting converts a value from one data type to another explicitly. Unlike implicit type conversion, the conversion is requested by the programmer using a cast expression. This example demonstrates the use of `static_cast` to convert an integer value to…"
url: "https://edcret.in/docs/cpp-programming/basic-refreshers-cplusplus/1-15-type-casting/"
updated: "2026-07-28"
category: C++ Programming / Basic Refreshers
---

# 1.15 Type Casting

Type casting converts a value from one data type to another explicitly. Unlike implicit type conversion, the conversion is requested by the programmer using a cast expression.

This example demonstrates the use of `static_cast` to convert an integer value to a floating-point value.

## Source Code

```
#include <iostream>

int main()
{
    int total_marks = 425;

    float average = static_cast<float>(total_marks) / 5;

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

    return 0;
}
```

## Output

```
Average Marks: 85
```

## Explanation

- `int total_marks = 425;` declares an integer variable containing the total marks.
- `static_cast<float>(total_marks)` explicitly converts the integer value to the `float` type.
- The conversion is performed before the division operation. As a result, floating-point division is used, producing a floating-point result.
- `static_cast` is the preferred C++ cast for well-defined conversions between compatible data types because it is explicit and easier to identify than C-style casts.
- Without the cast, the expression `total_marks / 5` performs integer division because both operands are integers.
- `std::cout << "Average Marks: " << average << '\n';` prints the floating-point result.
- `return 0;` terminates the program successfully.