In the conventional data model of a 16-bit C compiler, the size of long int is:

Concept

In C, integer-type widths are implementation-defined, but long int must represent at least the range −2,147,483,647 to 2,147,483,647.

Traditional 16-bit C data models use a 16-bit int and a 32-bit long int.

Application

1. Use the conventional 16-bit C data model named in the stem: long int occupies 4 bytes in that model.

2. Convert bytes to bits using 8 bits per byte: 4 × 8 = 32 bits.

Contrast

• 8 bits is one 8-bit byte, which is narrower than even the conventional 16-bit int in this model.

• 16 bits is two 8-bit bytes and is the conventional width of int, not long int, in this model.

• 24 bits is three 8-bit bytes and is not the conventional long int width used by this data model.

Cross-check

A signed 16-bit object reaches only 32,767, whereas long int must represent values through at least 2,147,483,647. A 32-bit signed representation meets that minimum range, confirming 32 bits.