---
title: 6.6 Return Values
description: "A function can return a value to the code that called it. The return type specified in the function declaration or definition determines the type of value that the function can return. The `return` statement terminates the execution of the…"
url: "https://edcret.in/docs/cpp-programming/functions/6-6-return-values/"
updated: "2026-09-06"
category: C++ Programming / Functions
---

# 6.6 Return Values

A function can return a value to the code that called it. The return type specified in the function declaration or definition determines the type of value that the function can return.

The `return` statement terminates the execution of the current function and optionally provides a value to the caller. The returned value can be stored in a variable, used directly in an expression, or passed to another function.

## Source Code

```
#include <iostream>

int multiply(int first, int second)
{
    return first * second;
}

int main()
{
    int result = multiply(6, 7);

    std::cout << "Result: " << result << '\n';

    return 0;
}
```

## Output

```
Result: 42
```

## Explanation

- `int multiply(int first, int second)` defines a function that returns an `int` value.
- `return first * second;` calculates the product and returns the resulting value to the caller.
- The `return` statement terminates the execution of `multiply()`.
- `multiply(6, 7)` calls the function with `6` and `7` as arguments.
- The value returned by `multiply()` is assigned to the variable `result`.
- A returned value can be used directly in an expression instead of being stored in a variable.
- The type of the returned expression must be compatible with the function's declared return type.
- A function whose return type is not `void` must return a value through an appropriate `return` statement.
- `return 0;` in `main()` terminates the program successfully.