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  "body": "\n## Summary\n\nA subnormal number, also called a denormal number, is a nonzero [[floating-point|RTKRSC3KPH]] number smaller in absolute value than the smallest normalized floating-point number.\nIt has the minimal exponent and a leading significand digit $0$, so it has fewer significant digits.\nSubnormal numbers fill the gap between $0$ and the smallest normalized number with evenly spaced values.\nThis *gradual underflow* ensures that $x - y = 0$ in floating-point arithmetic only when $x = y$.\n\n## Explanations\n\n### L1 human\n\nNormal floating-point numbers get closer and closer together as they approach $0$, but the smallest one still leaves a relatively big jump down to $0$.\nSubnormal numbers are extra points placed evenly in that jump.\nThey give up some precision so that very small results do not suddenly become $0$.\nIn double precision the smallest normal number is $2^{-1022}$, and the subnormal numbers go down to $2^{-1074}$.\n",
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