🔢 Number Base Converter
Convert numbers between binary (base 2), octal (base 8), decimal (base 10), and hexadecimal (base 16).
📖 Number Systems Explained
Binary (Base 2) uses only 0 and 1. It's the fundamental language of computers — all data is ultimately stored and processed as binary. Each digit is called a "bit."
Octal (Base 8) uses digits 0-7. It's used in Unix/Linux file permissions (e.g., chmod 755) and some assembly language contexts. Each octal digit represents exactly 3 binary digits.
Decimal (Base 10) is the number system we use in everyday life, with digits 0-9. It's based on powers of 10.
Hexadecimal (Base 16) uses digits 0-9 and letters A-F. It's widely used in computing for memory addresses, CSS colors (#FF5733), MAC addresses, and data representation. Each hex digit represents exactly 4 binary digits.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Computers use binary because electronic circuits have two states: on (1) and off (0). This makes binary the most reliable and efficient system for digital electronics. All data — text, images, videos, programs — is ultimately represented as sequences of 0s and 1s.
Hexadecimal is compact (one hex digit = 4 bits), making it easy to represent binary data in a human-readable format. A byte (8 bits) is exactly 2 hex digits. This is why memory addresses, colors (#RRGGBB), and binary data are commonly shown in hex.