Return Values

So far, functions have printed output directly. But what if you want to use the result of a function in the rest of your code — like passing it to another function, or storing it in a variable? That’s where return comes in.

Sending a value back

Use the return statement to send a value back to whoever called the function:

def add_numbers(a, b):
    return a + b
 
result = add_numbers(3, 5)
print(result)  # Output: 8

When Python hits return, it exits the function and hands the value back. Here, add_numbers(3, 5) gives back 8, which we store in result.

Why return instead of print?

Printing inside a function shows output, but you can’t do anything with it. Returning a value lets you use it:

total = add_numbers(3, 5)   # total = 8
doubled = total * 2          # doubled = 16
print(doubled)               # Output: 16

You can pass the return value to another function, use it in a calculation, or store it for later. That’s what makes functions reusable.

Return exits the function

Once Python hits return, the function stops immediately. Any code after it won’t run:

def check_score(score):
    if score < 0:
        return "Invalid score"
    return "Valid score"

If score is negative, the first return fires and the function ends. The second return is never reached.

Try it out