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C# - Enum.GetUnderlyingType() Method with Example

In this tutorial, we will learn about the C# Enum.GetUnderlyingType() method with its definition, usage, syntax, and example. By Nidhi Last updated : March 29, 2023

C# Enum.GetUnderlyingType() Method

The Enum.GetUnderlyingType() method is used to return the underlying type of the specified enumeration.

Syntax

Type Enum.GetUnderlyingType(Type enumType);

Parameter(s)

Here we pass an instance of specified enum to get the underlying type

Return Value

This method returns the underlying type of the specified enumeration.

Exception(s)

• System.ArgumentException
• System.ArgumentNullException

C# Example of Enum.GetUnderlyingType() Method

The source code to demonstrate the GetUnderlyingType() method of Enum class is given below. The given program is compiled and executed successfully.

using System;

class Sample {
  enum Colors {
    RED = 0, GREEN = 1, YELLOW = 3, WHITE = 4, BLACK = 5
  };
  enum Directions {
    EAST = 0, WEST = 1, NORTH = 2, SOUTH = 3
  };

  //Entry point of Program
  static public void Main() {
    Enum[] Values = {
      Colors.GREEN,
      Directions.NORTH,
      Colors.BLACK,
      Directions.WEST
    };

    foreach(var Value in Values) {
      Type underlyingType = Enum.GetUnderlyingType(Value.GetType());
      Console.WriteLine(underlyingType.Name);
    }
  }
}

Output

Int32
Int32
Int32
Int32
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