# Operator Precedence

*noun*

say it: **“OP-er-ay-ter PRES-ih-dens”** **/ˈɒpəreɪtər ˈprɛsɪdəns/**

The order in which C# works out the parts of an expression, such as multiplication before addition.

## What is **Operator Precedence** in C#?

**Operator Precedence** — The order C# works out an expression in: parentheses first, then `*`, `/` and `%`, then `+` and `-`, left to right within each level. Add parentheses whenever you want a different order, or just to make it clear.

```csharp
Console.WriteLine(10 + 2 * 3);   // 16
Console.WriteLine((10 + 2) * 3); // 36
```

## In a sentence

- “Because of **operator precedence**, 10 + 2 \* 3 is 16, not 36.”

Level: Novice · [More C# terms at this level](https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary?category=c-sharp&level=1)

Updated: October 28, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/operator-precedence