Number System Converter
Convert numbers between different numeral systems.
Interactive converter widget coming soon for Numbers.
Understanding number systems
Different number systems use different bases. Decimal (base 10) is used in everyday mathematics. Binary (base 2) is fundamental to computing. Hexadecimal (base 16) is used in programming and color codes. Octal (base 8) is sometimes used in computing.
Common number systems
- Decimal (base 10): 0-9 digits, used in everyday mathematics
- Binary (base 2): 0-1 digits, fundamental to computer operations
- Octal (base 8): 0-7 digits, sometimes used in programming
- Hexadecimal (base 16): 0-9 and A-F, used in web colors and programming
- Roman numerals: I, V, X, L, C, D, M, used historically
Number system applications
Programmers work extensively with binary and hexadecimal. Web developers use hexadecimal for color codes (e.g., #FF5733). Computer memory addresses are typically shown in hexadecimal. Understanding conversion between these systems is essential for low-level programming and digital electronics.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do computers use binary?
- Computers use binary because it aligns with electronics: voltage is either high (1) or low (0). All computer operations ultimately reduce to binary logic, making it the natural representation for digital systems.
- What does #FF5733 mean in hexadecimal color codes?
- In hexadecimal color codes, FF represents red (255), 57 represents green (87), and 33 represents blue (51). Each pair of hex digits represents intensity from 0-255 in decimal.
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