Binary is a base-2 number system that uses only two digits: 0 and 1. It is the fundamental language of computers.

Hexadecimal (Base-16) is used in computing because it provides a more human-readable way to represent binary data. One hex digit represents four binary digits (bits).

Free Number System Converter

Understanding Number Systems

In computer science and mathematics, different number systems are used to represent values. Understanding how to convert between them is a fundamental skill for programmers and network engineers.

The Four Main Systems

Decimal (Base 10): The standard system we use daily. It uses digits 0-9.
Binary (Base 2): The language of computers. It uses only 0 and 1.
Hexadecimal (Base 16): Uses digits 0-9 and letters A-F. Commonly used for color codes and memory addresses.
Octal (Base 8): Uses digits 0-7. Historically used in computing, now less common but still relevant in file permissions (Unix/Linux).

Common Conversions

Binary to Decimal

Each position in a binary number represents a power of 2. E.g., 101 = (1×4) + (0×2) + (1×1) = 5.

Hex to Binary

Each Hex digit corresponds to exactly 4 binary bits. E.g., Hex F = Binary 1111.

Workflow

For Developers

Essential for Debugging.

Programmers

Low-Level Code

When working with microcontrollers, memory addresses, or network packets, you often need to translate Hex dumps into readable Decimal numbers or Binary bitmasks. This tool streamlines that process.

Bitwise Ops

Visualize bit patterns.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FF in Decimal?

FF in Hexadecimal equals 255 in Decimal. It represents the maximum value for a single byte (8 bits).

Why do we use Hex instead of Binary?

Hex is much more compact. A 32-bit binary number is 32 characters long, while in Hex it is only 8 characters. This makes code easier to read and write.