Number System Converter Calculator

Convert between binary, octal, decimal, hexadecimal and any base from 2 to 36.

Convert a value between binary, octal, decimal and hexadecimal.

Inputs

What it does

Converts numbers between binary, octal, decimal, hexadecimal and any base from 2 to 36.

Where it's used

Reading datasheets and register maps, debugging firmware and coursework.

How to use it

  1. Type the value.
  2. Choose the base it is written in.
  3. Optional: pick another base for an extra conversion.

The formula explained

N = Σ dᵢ·bⁱ
each digit times the base to the power of its position
Hex digit
= 4 bits
Octal digit
= 3 bits

Worked example

Converting hex FF.

Inputs:

The calculator gives:

Tips and common mistakes

Questions people ask

How do I convert decimal to binary by hand?

Divide by 2 repeatedly and write down the remainders, then read them from last to first. 13 → 6 r1 → 3 r0 → 1 r1 → 0 r1, so 13 = 1101.

Why is hex so popular with programmers?

Each hex digit is exactly four bits, so binary converts digit by digit: 0x3F = 0011 1111. A byte is always two hex digits, which makes memory dumps and registers easy to read.

Where is octal still used?

Mainly in Unix file permissions, where each octal digit is three bits — read, write, execute. Permission 755 means rwx for the owner and r-x for everyone else.

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