Tuple
In one line
A tuple is an ordered, immutable collection of items in Python, written as (1, 2, 3).
In simple words
A tuple is like a list that you cannot change. Once you create a tuple, its size and contents are fixed — you cannot add, remove, or reassign elements. Tuples are written with parentheses: (1, 2, 3).
Tuples are used for fixed records where immutability is a feature — coordinates (x, y), RGB color values (255, 128, 0), or database rows. Because they cannot change, they are hashable and can be used as dictionary keys, which lists cannot.
Tuples are slightly faster and use less memory than lists. When you have a collection that should never change, a tuple signals that intent more clearly than a list. A tuple with one element needs a trailing comma: (5,).
Example
point = (3, 4)
color = (255, 128, 0)
print(point[0]) # 3
print(len(color)) # 3
# Tuples are immutable — this raises an error:
# point[0] = 10 # TypeError
# Tuples can be unpacked
x, y = point
print(x, y) # 3 4Tuples support indexing and unpacking but cannot be modified after creation.
Common confusions
Confused with: list
The difference: A tuple is immutable — it cannot be changed after creation. A list is mutable — you can add, remove, and reassign elements. Use tuples for fixed data, lists for data that changes.
Related terms
Related Resources
Related Lessons
- Data Types
Tuples are a core Python data type
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