How to convert Decimal() to a number in Python?

Question

I have a JSON output that is Decimal('142.68500203').

I can use str() to get a string which is "142.68500203". But I want to get a number output which is 142.68500203.

How to make the conversion in Python?

`float(…)` – Of course `str()` gives you a string, that’s the whole point. If you want a different type, you need to use that type’s converter. — poke, Jun 17 '16 at 06:54
_Why_ do you want to convert it? The reason that the JSON output is a Decimal is that you don't lose any precision that way. A float might not be able to store the number exactly. — RemcoGerlich, Jun 17 '16 at 06:59
Possible duplicate of [How to convert decimal string in python to a number?](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/6794779/how-to-convert-decimal-string-in-python-to-a-number) — SiHa, Jun 17 '16 at 07:00

score 3 · Answer 1 · answered Jun 17 '16 at 06:59

It depends what you mean by "number", it could be argued that Decimal is a number class. If you mean into an object of float class then:

from decimal import Decimal

x = Decimal('142.68500203')

y = float(x)

print x, y

Gives:

142.68500203 142.68500203

But beware! There are good reasons for using Decimal, read the Decimal documentation before deciding you want float.

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Jun 17 '16 at 06:55

1

It is quite easy:

float("142.68500203")

answered Jun 17 '16 at 06:55

Ian

2 Answers2