Binary, Hex & Decimal Converter
Convert numbers between binary, decimal, hexadecimal, and octal instantly.
How the Binary, Hex & Decimal Converter works
Type a number into any of the four fields — binary, octal, decimal, or hexadecimal — and the other three update instantly. Each field only accepts valid digits for its base, so you can't accidentally enter a “9” into the binary field.
Internally, your input is parsed as an integer in its base, then re-formatted in each of the other bases using standard positional numeral system conversion.
Frequently asked questions
Why do computers use binary instead of decimal?
Binary (base 2) maps directly onto the two electrical states — on and off — that digital circuits use, making it the natural number system for computer hardware. Decimal is easier for humans, so programmers often convert between the two.
Why is hexadecimal used so often in programming?
Each hexadecimal digit represents exactly 4 binary digits (bits), so hex is a compact, human-readable shorthand for binary values — commonly seen in color codes, memory addresses, and low-level programming.
Can I convert negative numbers?
This tool converts non-negative whole numbers. Negative numbers in different bases usually depend on a specific bit-width and representation (like two's complement), which varies by context, so they're outside the scope of a simple converter.