Arithmetic overflow - Definition and Overview

The term arithmetic overflow or simply 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 that the overflow may be placed at another location.

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