Numbers

How to Convert Between Number Bases

Published June 12, 2026 · 3 min read · By DownloadReels

A number base (or radix) is how many digits a system uses: decimal (base 10) uses 0–9, binary (base 2) uses 0–1, and hexadecimal (base 16) uses 0–9 then A–F. The same value can be written in any base. To convert, enter the number and its base into a converter and read the others. Here is how the common bases relate.

1
Enter the number

Type the value, optionally with a 0x, 0b or 0o prefix.

2
Set the input base

Choose the base it’s written in, or let auto-detect read the prefix.

3
Read every base

Binary, octal, decimal and hexadecimal are shown at once.

4
Custom base

Convert to any base from 2 to 36 and copy the result.

Binary, hex and the 0x / 0b prefixes

Binary (base 2) is how computers store everything; hex (base 16) is a compact way to write binary, since one hex digit equals four bits. In code, 0x marks a hex literal (0xFF = 255) and 0b marks binary (0b1010 = 10). The number base converter reads these prefixes automatically.

Where base conversion shows up

Hex appears in colours (#RRGGBB), memory addresses and byte values; binary in bit flags and permissions; octal in Unix file modes. Converting between them is a daily task in low-level and web work alike.

Tip: One hex digit maps to exactly four binary bits — so you can convert hex↔binary in your head a nibble at a time (F = 1111, A = 1010).

Convert number bases now

Convert between binary, hex, decimal and any base — free, in your browser.

Open the Number Base Converter →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert decimal to binary or hex?

Enter the decimal number in a base converter; it shows the binary and hexadecimal forms instantly.

What do 0x and 0b mean?

0x marks a hexadecimal number and 0b marks a binary number in most programming languages.

Does it handle large numbers?

Yes — it uses BigInt, so large integers convert exactly.

Related guides