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

input-num

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

input-tel

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.

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Difference Between Input Type number and tel in HTML

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Difference between Number vs Tel Input Type

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