Difference Between Input Type number and tel in HTML
Last Updated :
14 Feb, 2024
In HTML5, form inputs have been significantly enhanced to facilitate more specific data types and improve user experience across various devices. Among these enhancements, the number and tel input types are notable for their specific purposes. Understanding the distinction between these two types is crucial for web developers aiming to create intuitive and efficient web forms. This article provides a detailed overview of both input types, complete with descriptions, code examples, and a comparative analysis.
HTML5 Input Type Number
The number input type is designed for numerical input, allowing users to enter a floating point number. It is particularly useful for quantities, prices, and other number-based inputs. This input type offers built-in validation for numerical data and enables browsers to display number-specific controls, like spinners to increase or decrease the value.
Features:
- Accepts numerical values, including floating points if the step attribute is not set to an integer.
- Can specify a range of acceptable values using min and max attributes.
- Offers a more semantically correct way to input numbers compared to the traditional text input type.
Example:
HTML
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<meta name="viewport" content=
"width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
<title>HTML5 Input Type Number</title>
</head>
<body>
<form>
<label for="quantity">Quantity:</label>
<input type="number" id="quantity"
name="quantity" min="1" max="100" step="1">
<input type="submit">
</form>
</body>
</html>
|
Output
HTML5 Input Type Tel
The tel input type is intended for telephone number inputs. While it does not validate the format of the telephone number entered, it prompts mobile browsers to display a telephone keypad, making it easier for users to enter phone numbers.
Features:
- Optimizes mobile keyboard for telephone number input.
- Does not enforce a specific format, offering global compatibility.
- Can be used in conjunction with pattern attributes for custom validation.
Example:
HTML
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<meta name="viewport" content=
"width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
<title>HTML5 Input Type Tel</title>
</head>
<body>
<form>
<label for="phone">Phone Number:</label>
<input type="tel" id="phone" name="phone"
pattern="[0-9]{3}-[0-9]{3}-[0-9]{4}"
placeholder="123-456-7890">
<input type="submit">
</form>
</body>
</html>
|
Output
Difference between Number vs Tel Input Type
|
Feature
|
Input Type Number
|
Input Type Tel
|
|
Primary Use
|
Specifically for numerical data.
|
For telephone numbers.
|
|
Keyboard Layout
|
Displays a numeric keyboard on mobile devices.
|
Displays a telephone keypad on mobile devices.
|
|
Validation
|
Provides built-in validation for numerical input.
|
Does not provide format validation; relies on pattern matching.
|
|
Control Features
|
May display spinners for incrementing/decrementing the value.
|
No specific controls provided.
|
|
Acceptable Values
|
Only accepts numbers, including decimals if allowed.
|
Accepts any characters, but intended for phone numbers.
|
|
Format Specification
|
Min, max, and step attributes can specify allowable numbers.
|
The pattern attribute can be used to define allowable formats.
|
|
Accessibility
|
Assists users in entering precise numerical values.
|
Facilitates easier entry of phone numbers, especially on mobile.
|
Share your thoughts in the comments
Please Login to comment...