Accumulator: GCSE Computer Science Definition

What is an accumulator?

In GCSE Computer Science, an accumulator is a register within the CPU that stores the results of calculations performed by the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU). It plays a crucial role in the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle by temporarily holding intermediate values, reducing the need for frequent memory access.

Why is the accumulator important?

Without the accumulator, every result would need to be stored back into the main memory, which would slow down processing. Instead, the CPU can quickly retrieve and modify values in the accumulator, making computations more efficient.

Revision resources to ace your exams

Explore the accumulator in more detail and master other key related terms such as the fetch-decode-execute cycle in our revision note pages here:

CPU components & their functions (OCR GCSE Computer Science)
CPU components & their functions (AQA GCSE Computer Science)
CPU components & their function (Edexcel GCSE Computer Science)

Challenge yourself with our expertly created topic questions and reinforce your learning with our interactive flashcards. 

GCSE Computer Science Revision Resources