Number Base Converter
Numbers & DatesConvert numbers between binary, octal, decimal, hexadecimal, and any base from 2 to 36. Instant results with prefix notation and padding options.
Binary
1000001
Hexadecimal
41
Octal
101
ASCII / Text
A
About Number Base Converter
The number base converter translates integers between any numeral systems from base 2 (binary) through base 36. Instantly see the same value expressed in binary, octal, decimal, and hexadecimal side by side, or enter a custom source and target base for less common systems. Digits above 9 are represented using uppercase letters A–Z as per standard convention. The tool also shows optional prefix notation (0b, 0o, 0x) and allows zero-padding output to a specified bit width, making it invaluable for low-level programming, embedded systems, and computer science coursework.
Features
- ✓Convert between binary (base 2), octal (base 8), decimal (base 10), and hexadecimal (base 16)
- ✓Support for arbitrary bases from 2 to 36
- ✓All four standard bases displayed simultaneously
- ✓Optional 0b / 0o / 0x prefix notation for output
- ✓Zero-pad binary output to 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64 bits
- ✓Negative number support with two's complement display
- ✓Uppercase and lowercase hex output toggle
- ✓Grouping of binary digits in nibbles (4-bit groups) for readability
Common Use Cases
- Decode hexadecimal color codes (e.g., #FF5733) to RGB decimal values
- Set and verify file permission bits using octal notation (chmod 755)
- Understand memory addresses in debugger output expressed in hex
- Convert IP address octets from decimal to binary for subnet mask analysis
- Verify bitfield masks and flag values in embedded firmware
- Translate ASCII character codes between decimal and hexadecimal
- Study numeral system conversions for computer science exams
Frequently Asked Questions
QWhat is binary (base 2)?
Binary uses only digits 0 and 1. Every digital computer represents data internally in binary because electronic circuits have two stable states — on (1) and off (0).
QWhy is hexadecimal popular in programming?
Each hexadecimal digit corresponds exactly to 4 binary bits (a nibble), so two hex digits represent one byte. This makes hex a compact, human-readable way to inspect raw memory and binary data.
QWhat bases beyond 16 are useful?
Base 32 is used in file checksums (SHA-256 often displayed in base 32) and URL-safe encodings. Base 36 uses digits 0–9 plus A–Z and is common in short URL generators and license key systems.
QHow does two's complement work for negative numbers?
Two's complement represents a negative number by inverting all bits and adding 1. For example, −5 in 8-bit two's complement is 11111011. This scheme allows standard addition circuits to handle both positive and negative numbers.
QDoes the converter handle floating-point numbers?
Currently the tool focuses on integers. Fractional base conversion involves repeating calculations and potential non-terminating representations, which are best handled by a dedicated IEEE 754 visualizer.