Last modified: Oct 06, 2024 By Alexander Williams

[Solved] ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'numpy'

In this tutorial, we'll cover how to resolve the common Python error "ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'numpy'".

This error occurs when you try to import NumPy in your Python script, but the module is not installed or not found in your Python environment.

Understanding the Error

When you see this error, it typically means one of two things:

  1. NumPy is not installed in your Python environment.
  2. Your Python script is not using the correct environment where NumPy is installed.

Solution 1: Installing NumPy

If NumPy is not installed, you can easily install it using pip, Python's package installer.


pip install numpy

If you're using Python 3 and have both Python 2 and 3 installed, you might need to use pip3:


pip3 install numpy

After installation, try running your script again. If the error persists, move on to the next solutions.

Solution 2: Verifying the Installation

To verify that NumPy is installed correctly, you can use the following steps:


import sys
print(sys.executable)

This will print the path to the Python interpreter being used. Then, try to import NumPy:


import numpy
print(numpy.__version__)

If this works, NumPy is installed correctly in your current Python environment.

Solution 3: Using Virtual Environments

If you're working on multiple projects, it's a good practice to use virtual environments. Here's how you can set up a virtual environment and install NumPy:


# Create a virtual environment
python -m venv myenv

# Activate the virtual environment
# On Windows:
myenv\Scripts\activate
# On macOS and Linux:
source myenv/bin/activate

# Install NumPy in the virtual environment
pip install numpy

After activating the virtual environment, run your script again.

Solution 4: Checking Python Path

Ensure that the directory containing NumPy is in your Python path. You can check and modify the Python path in your script:


import sys
print(sys.path)

# If needed, add the path where NumPy is installed
import site
site.addsitedir("/path/to/site-packages")

Solution 5: Reinstalling NumPy

If all else fails, try uninstalling and reinstalling NumPy:


pip uninstall numpy
pip install numpy

Solution 6: Using Anaconda

If you're using Anaconda, you can install NumPy using conda:


conda install numpy

Make sure you're using the correct Anaconda environment where NumPy is installed.

Troubleshooting Tips

  1. Ensure you're using the correct version of Python (2 or 3) that matches your NumPy installation.
  2. Check if you have multiple Python installations and ensure you're using the correct one.
  3. On Windows, make sure the Python Scripts directory is in your system's PATH.
  4. If using an IDE, restart it after installing NumPy to ensure it recognizes the new installation.

Conclusion

The "ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'numpy'" error is common but usually easy to resolve.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully install NumPy and import it in your Python scripts.

Remember, managing dependencies and environments is a crucial skill in Python development, and tools like virtual environments can help prevent such issues in the future.