Arithmetic overflow

The term arithmetic overflow has the following meanings:

1. In a digital computer, the condition that occurs when a calculation produces a result that is greater than a given register or storage location can store or represent.

2. In a digital computer, the amount by which a calculated value is greater than that which a given register or storage location can store or represent.

Note: The overflow may be placed at another location. Synonym overflow.

Sources: Federal Standard 1037C and from MIL-STD-188 (reference works treating telecommunication)