How to Return Value from Function in Python: Simple Guide

In Python, you use the return statement inside a function to send a value back to where the function was called. The value after return is the output you get when you run the function.

Syntax

The basic syntax to return a value from a function in Python is:

• def: starts the function definition.
• function_name(): the name of the function.
• return value: sends the value back to the caller.

python

def function_name():
    # do something
    return value

Example

This example shows a function that adds two numbers and returns the result. The returned value is then printed.

python

def add_numbers(a, b):
    result = a + b
    return result

sum_value = add_numbers(3, 5)
print(sum_value)

Output

8

Common Pitfalls

One common mistake is forgetting the return statement, which makes the function return None by default. Another is placing code after return, which will never run because return ends the function.

python

def wrong_function():
    x = 10
    # Missing return statement

print(wrong_function())  # Output: None

def unreachable_code():
    return 5
    print("This will never print")  # This line is ignored

Output

None

Quick Reference

Remember these tips when returning values from functions:

• Use return to send back any value.
• A function without return returns None.
• Code after return is not executed.
• You can return any data type: numbers, strings, lists, or even other functions.

Key Takeaways

Use the return statement to send a value back from a function.

Without return, a function returns None by default.

Code after return is never executed.

You can return any type of data from a function.

Always place return where you want the function to stop and give back a result.