Figure 1 shows the internal representation of numeric items as specified by the USAGE clause. Numeric DISPLAY items include external decimal and external floating point data items. The computational numeric items are also shown in this figure: binary, internal decimal, and internal floating point data items.

| Item | Description | Value | Internal representation |
|---|---|---|---|
| National decimal | PIC 9999 NATIONAL | 1234 | 00 31 00 32 00 33 00 34 |
| PIC S9999 NATIONAL SIGN LEADING SEPARATE | +1234 | 00 2B 00 31 00 32 00 33 00 34 | |
| -1234 | 00 2D 00 31 00 32 00 33 00 34 | ||
| PIC S9999 NATIONAL SIGN TRAILING SEPARATE | +1234 | 00 31 00 32 00 33 00 34 00 2B | |
| -1234 | 00 31 00 32 00 33 00 34 00 2D |