Hexadecimal (base-16) uses digits 0-9 and letters A-F (10-15). It's widely used in computing for compact representation. Each hex digit represents 4 bits.

Color codes (#FF0000), memory addresses, MAC addresses, encryption hashes, file formats, and programming. Hex is more compact than binary.

How do I convert hex to decimal?

Multiply each hex digit by its corresponding power of 16 (from right, starting at 16). For example, FF = (15×16¹) + (15×16) = 240 + 15 = 255.

How do I convert hex to binary?

Convert each hex digit to its 4-bit binary equivalent. For example, F = 1111, A = 1010. FF = 11111111 in binary.

Why use hexadecimal instead of binary?

Hexadecimal is more compact than binary. One hex digit represents 4 bits. FF (2 hex digits) = 11111111 (8 binary digits). Easier to read and write.

What is the maximum value in 2-digit hex?

2-digit hex can represent 0 to 255 (FF in hex). This is one byte. In decimal it's 255, in binary it's 11111111.

Hexadecimal Converter

Convert hexadecimal to decimal, binary, and octal. Essential for color codes, memory addresses, and programming.

Converter

Hexadecimal (Base 16)

Result

Decimal (Base 10): -
Binary (Base 2): -
Octal (Base 8): -

Conversion Guide

Conversion

H

Hex to Decimal

Sum of (digit × 16^position)

Multiply each digit by power of 16, sum results

B

Hex to Binary

Each hex digit = 4 bits

Convert each hex digit to 4-bit binary

Step-by-Step Scenario

Example Scenario

Hexadecimal

FF

1

Convert Digits

F = 15
F = 15

Convert hex digits to decimal

2

Calculate

(15×16¹) + (15×16) = 240 + 15

255 (decimal)

Additional Examples

Color Code

Hex: #FF0000

RGB

RGB(255, 0, 0) - Red

Memory Address

Hex: 1A3F

Decimal

6719

Binary

0001101000111111

Characteristics of Hexadecimal

Compact Representation

Hexadecimal is more compact than binary. One hex digit represents 4 bits. FF = 11111111 in binary.

Widely Used

Used in color codes (#RRGGBB), memory addresses, MAC addresses, encryption hashes, and file formats.

Real-Time Conversion

Convert hexadecimal instantly as you type. All number systems are calculated simultaneously.

Easy to Read

Hexadecimal is easier to read than binary. FF is clearer than 11111111. Perfect for human-readable representations.

Important Notes

Hexadecimal (base-16) uses digits 0-9 and letters A-F (representing 10-15). Each hex digit represents 4 bits.
To convert hex to decimal: multiply each digit by its corresponding power of 16 (from right, starting at 16), then sum.
To convert hex to binary: convert each hex digit to its 4-bit binary equivalent. F = 1111, A = 1010, etc.
One hex digit = 4 bits. Two hex digits = 1 byte (8 bits). FF in hex = 255 in decimal = 11111111 in binary.
Hexadecimal is case-insensitive. FF and ff are equivalent. The calculator automatically converts to uppercase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about hexadecimal conversion.