Number Base Converter
Convert numbers between binary, octal, decimal, and hexadecimal
What is Number Base Converter?
Number Base Converter transforms numbers between binary (base 2), octal (base 8), decimal (base 10), and hexadecimal (base 16). These number systems are fundamental in computer science — binary is how computers store data, hexadecimal is used for memory addresses and color codes, and octal appears in Unix file permissions.
How to Use This Tool
- Enter a number in any supported base (binary, octal, decimal, or hex)
- Select the input base from the dropdown
- All other base representations are calculated and displayed instantly
- Copy the converted value you need
Common Use Cases
- Converting hexadecimal memory addresses to decimal for debugging
- Translating binary values to decimal for networking (subnet masks, IP addresses)
- Converting octal Unix file permission values (chmod 755) to understand access rights
- Working with hexadecimal color codes in web development
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do computers use binary?
Computers use binary because electronic circuits have two states: on (1) and off (0). All data — numbers, text, images, and programs — is stored and processed as sequences of 1s and 0s.
Why is hexadecimal so common in programming?
Hexadecimal is compact — one hex digit represents exactly 4 binary digits. This makes it much easier to read long binary values. For example, the binary value 11111111 is simply FF in hex.