Java byte keyword

Last Updated : 18 Feb 2026

The Java byte keyword is a primitive data type. It is used to declare variables. It can also be used with methods to return byte value. It can hold an 8-bit signed two's complement integer.

Points to remember

The byte range lies between -128 to 127 (inclusive).
Its default value is 0.
It is useful to handle the st
ream of data from a network or file.
It is also useful for saving memory in large arrays.
It can be used in place of the int data type.

Examples of Java byte keyword

Example 1: Using byte with variable

public class ByteExample1 {

	public static void main(String[] args) {

		byte num1=127;
		
		byte num2=-128;
		
		System.out.println("num1 : "+num1);
		System.out.println("num2 : "+num2);
				
	}		
}

Output:

Example 2: byte lies out of range

public class ByteExample2 {

	public static void main(String[] args) {

		byte num1=128;
		
		byte num2=-129;
		
		System.out.println("num1 : "+num1);
		System.out.println("num2 : "+num2);
				
	}		
}

Output:

Example 3: Using byte with a method

public class ByteExample3 {
	
	byte age=18;
	
	public byte display()
	{
		return age;
	}
	public static void main(String[] args) {
		ByteExample2 b=new ByteExample2();
		
System.out.println("The age must be: "+b.display());

				
	}		
}

Output:

The age must be: 18

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