What Is a Return Value in Python?

A return value is the result a function sends back after it finishes running.

This is an important Python idea because functions often do work and then give the answer back to the code that called them. A beginner mistake is thinking that print() and return do the same thing. They do not.

Use return when a function should give a result back to your program:

def add(a, b):
    return a + b

result = add(2, 3)
print(result)

Output:

5

return gives the result back to the caller. Then your code can store it, print it, or use it somewhere else.

What this term means

  • A return value is the result a function sends back after it runs.
  • The return value is created with the return keyword.
  • The calling code can save that value in a variable, print it, or use it in another expression.

If you are new to functions, see what a function is in Python.

Why return values matter

Return values matter because they make functions useful.

  • They let functions produce results.
  • They make code reusable because the result can be used in different places.
  • They help separate calculation from display.

For example, a function can calculate a total and return it. Then another part of your program can decide what to do with that total.

Basic example

Here is a simple function that adds two numbers and returns the answer:

def add(a, b):
    return a + b

result = add(2, 3)
print(result)

Output:

5

What happens here:

  • def add(a, b): creates a function with two inputs.
  • return a + b sends the sum back.
  • result = add(2, 3) stores the returned value in a variable.
  • print(result) shows that value on the screen.

If you need a refresher on function inputs, see what an argument is in Python and what a parameter is in Python.

Return vs print

This is one of the most common beginner confusions.

  • print() shows text or values on the screen.
  • return sends a value back from a function.
  • A function can return a value without printing anything.
  • Visible output is not the same as a returned result.

Example using print()

def add(a, b):
    print(a + b)

result = add(2, 3)
print(result)

Output:

5
None

Why does None appear?

  • The function prints 5
  • But it does not return anything
  • So Python returns None by default
  • That None gets stored in result

Example using return

def add(a, b):
    return a + b

result = add(2, 3)
print(result)

Output:

5

If you want to understand print() better, see Python print() function explained.

What happens if there is no return

If a function does not use return, Python returns None.

def greet():
    print("Hello")

print(greet())

Output:

Hello
None

This surprises many beginners. The function printed "Hello", but it did not send back a useful value.

That is why functions that only print are different from functions that return data.

This also explains some NoneType errors. If your code expects a real value but gets None, you may see errors like AttributeError: 'NoneType' object has no attribute ... or TypeError: 'NoneType' object is not iterable.

Using a return value

Once a function returns a value, you can use it in different ways.

Save it in a variable

def get_name():
    return "Maya"

name = get_name()
print(name)

Output:

Maya

Use it in math or string operations

def add(a, b):
    return a + b

total = add(4, 6)
print(total * 2)

Output:

20

Pass it into another function

def add(a, b):
    return a + b

def show_number(number):
    print("The number is:", number)

show_number(add(2, 3))

Output:

The number is: 5

If you want more practice with this idea, see return values in Python functions and Python functions explained.

Common beginner mistakes

Here are some common problems with return values.

Using print() when return is needed

Wrong:

def square(x):
    print(x * x)

result = square(4)
print(result)

Output:

16
None

Better:

def square(x):
    return x * x

result = square(4)
print(result)

Forgetting to capture the returned value

A function can return a value, but if you do not store or use it, that result may be lost.

def add(a, b):
    return a + b

add(2, 3)  # returned value is ignored

Better:

result = add(2, 3)
print(result)

Writing code after return and expecting it to run

When Python reaches return, the function ends immediately.

def example():
    return 10
    print("This will not run")

The print() line never runs.

Expecting every function to return a useful value

Some functions return useful data, but some do not. If a function has no return, it gives back None.

Common causes of confusion

  • Confusing printed output with returned output
  • Forgetting that functions without return give back None
  • Trying to use the result of a function that only prints
  • Placing important code after a return statement

Helpful checks

If you are not sure what a function returns, these quick checks can help:

print(add(2, 3))

result = add(2, 3)
print(result)

print(type(result))

You can also inspect built-in functions:

help(print)

help(len)

FAQ

What is a return value in Python?

It is the value a function sends back to the place where the function was called.

Is return the same as print?

No. print() displays something. return gives a result back from the function.

What does a function return if I do not write return?

It returns None.

Can a function return more than one value?

Yes. Python can return multiple values, usually as a tuple.

See also