Python Operator Precedence (2025 Guide) – Complete Table & Examples

Introduction – Why Operator Precedence Matters in Python

Have you ever evaluated a complex Python expression and got an unexpected result? Chances are, operator precedence is the reason. Python evaluates expressions in a specific order, just like how we follow BODMAS in mathematics.

Understanding operator precedence helps you:

• Predict outcomes of expressions
• Write clean and bug-free code
• Avoid logical errors in conditional and arithmetic statements

By the end of this article, you’ll master the complete precedence and associativity rules for Python operators with practical examples and caveats.

What is Operator Precedence in Python?

Operator precedence determines the order in which different operators in an expression are evaluated. Python has a well-defined hierarchy, so some operators bind tighter than others.

For example:

result = 10 + 5 * 2
print(result)  # Output: 20, not 30

Explanation:

• * has higher precedence than +, so 5 * 2 is evaluated first → 10 + 10

Python Operator Precedence Table (Highest to Lowest)

Real Python Code Examples with Explanation

Example 1: Exponentiation Before Unary Minus

x = -2 ** 3
print(x)  # Output: -8

Explanation:

• Equivalent to: -(2 ** 3) → -8
• Because ** binds tighter than -

Example 2: Using Parentheses to Override Precedence

x = (10 + 5) * 2
print(x)  # Output: 30

Explanation:

• Parentheses force 10 + 5 to be evaluated before *

Example 3: Logical vs Bitwise Precedence

x = True or False and False
print(x)  # Output: True

Explanation:

• and has higher precedence than or
• Equivalent to: True or (False and False) → True

Tips and Best Practices

Use parentheses generously in complex expressions. They make your code easier to read and maintain.

Memorize just a few key precedence levels:

1. Parentheses
2. Exponentiation
3. Multiplicative
4. Additive
5. Comparisons
6. Logical operators (not, and, or)

Common Pitfalls

Don’t assume - is evaluated before **. Always remember:

-2 ** 3  # is -8, not 64

Be cautious with chained logical expressions like:

a or b and c

Use parentheses to clarify intent:

a or (b and c)

Summary – Key Takeaways

• Python uses a fixed precedence table to evaluate expressions.
• Higher precedence operators are executed before lower ones.
• Use parentheses to override or clarify precedence.
• Be especially careful with **, not, and conditional expressions.

FAQ – Python Operator Precedence

What is operator precedence in Python?

Operator precedence defines the order in which Python evaluates different operators in a complex expression. Operators with higher precedence are evaluated before those with lower precedence.

Does Python follow BODMAS or PEMDAS?

Python follows a similar rule to BODMAS/PEMDAS for arithmetic operations, but it extends this with additional precedence rules for logical (and, or, not), bitwise (&, |, ^), and comparison operators.

How can I override default operator precedence in Python?

Use parentheses () to explicitly control the order of evaluation. This improves clarity and ensures your expressions behave as expected.

# Example
result = (5 + 3) * 2  # Output: 16

What is the precedence of not, and, and or in Python?

Python evaluates them in this order:

1. not (highest)
2. and
3. or (lowest)

True or False and False  # Evaluated as: True or (False and False)

Why does -2 ** 3 return -8 and not 64?

Because ** (exponentiation) has higher precedence than the unary -. So it’s interpreted as:

-(2 ** 3)  # → -8

Use parentheses to change the behavior:

(-2) ** 3  # → -8

What is associativity in Python operator precedence?

Associativity defines the direction of evaluation for operators of the same precedence level:

• Most operators (like +, *) are left-to-right
• Some (like **, assignment =, ternary if–else) are right-to-left

Is it necessary to memorize the full operator precedence table?

Not entirely. Just focus on the key levels:

• Parentheses
• Exponentiation
• Multiplication/Division
• Addition/Subtraction
• Comparison
• Logical Operators

Use parentheses when in doubt to make expressions clear.