How do I convert binary to decimal?

Multiply each binary digit by its positional power of 2 (right to left: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16...) and sum the results. Or use the Number Base Converter for instant conversion.

Why do programmers use hexadecimal?

Hex maps cleanly to binary (1 hex digit = 4 bits), making it compact and easy to convert. It's used for colors (FF = 255 = max channel), memory addresses, and byte values.

What is octal used for?

Octal is primarily used for Unix file permissions (chmod). Each permission set (read+write+execute) maps to a single octal digit: 7 = rwx, 5 = r-x, 4 = r--.

How to Convert Between Binary, Octal, Decimal, and Hex

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