Arithmetic data types are used for variables on which arithmetic calculations are to be performed. The arithmetic data types supported by PL/I are as follows:
- Fixed point-for binary and decimal data with a fixed number of fractional digits
- Floating point-for calculations on very large or very small numbers with the decimal point (number of fractional digits) allowed to float
- Pictured-for fixed point decimal data that is stored internally in character form with special formatting characters
