What Is the Number Base Converter?
Convert numbers between binary, octal, decimal, and hexadecimal. See all representations simultaneously with step-by-step conversion explanations.
Why Use This Tool?
Working with different number bases is common in programming — hex for colors and memory addresses, binary for bitwise operations, octal for file permissions. This tool converts between all four major bases instantly.
How to Use This Number Base Converter
- Enter your number — Type or paste the number you want to convert into the input field.
- Select the input base — Choose the base (radix) of your input number — binary (base 2), octal (base 8), decimal (base 10), or hexadecimal (base 16).
- Read the conversions — All other base representations update instantly. Copy any result with one click.
- Try different values — Test edge cases like negative numbers, large values, or floating-point representations to understand how different bases handle them.
Tips and Best Practices
- → Learn the mental shortcuts. Hex digits map directly to 4 binary digits: A=1010, F=1111. Memorizing a few of these lets you read hex as binary at a glance.
- → Use hex for colors and memory. Hexadecimal is the standard for CSS colors (#FF6B6B), memory addresses, and byte values because each hex digit represents exactly 4 bits.
- → Use octal for Unix permissions. File permissions like 755 are octal — each digit represents 3 bits for read, write, and execute. See our Chmod Calculator for a visual breakdown.
- → Prefix numbers to avoid ambiguity. In code, use 0b for binary (0b1010), 0o for octal (0o755), and 0x for hex (0xFF). This prevents confusion between base-10 and other representations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Built by Derek Giordano · Part of Ultimate Design Tools