Hexadecimal Converter
Convert numbers between hexadecimal and decimal representations. Includes step-by-step process.
Hexadecimal, Decimal, and Binary Conversion
The Hexadecimal Converter facilitates easy translation between hexadecimal (base-16) and decimal (base-10) number systems. Understanding these conversions is crucial in many areas of computing, such as web design (colors), programming, and data representation. This calculator focuses on Hexadecimal to Decimal and Decimal to Hexadecimal conversions, with explanations that touch upon binary as well.
⚙️ How to Use the Converter
- Select Conversion Mode: Choose whether you want to convert "Hex to Decimal" or "Decimal to Hex".
- Enter Value:
- If "Hex to Decimal": Input a hexadecimal string (e.g.,
1A3F). Valid characters are 0-9 and A-F (case-insensitive). - If "Decimal to Hex": Input a non-negative decimal integer (e.g.,
6719).
- If "Hex to Decimal": Input a hexadecimal string (e.g.,
- Click "Convert": The calculator will perform the conversion.
- View Result: The converted value will be displayed, along with a step-by-step visual calculation.
🔄 Hexadecimal to Decimal Conversion
Hexadecimal uses 16 symbols: 0-9 and A-F (where A=10, B=11, C=12, D=13, E=14, F=15). Each position in a hexadecimal number represents a power of 16.
Example: Convert hexadecimal 2B516 to decimal.
- 2 × 162 = 2 × 256 = 512
- B (which is 11) × 161 = 11 × 16 = 176
- 5 × 160 = 5 × 1 = 5
Sum = 512 + 176 + 5 = 693. So, 2B516 = 69310.
Our calculator's "Visual Calculation" breaks this down for your input.
🔄 Decimal to Hexadecimal Conversion
This involves repeatedly dividing the decimal number by 16 and recording the remainders. The hexadecimal digits are the remainders read in reverse order.
Example: Convert decimal 69310 to hexadecimal.
- 693 ÷ 16 = 43 remainder 5
- 43 ÷ 16 = 2 remainder 11 (which is B in hex)
- 2 ÷ 16 = 0 remainder 2
Reading remainders from bottom up: 2B5. So, 69310 = 2B516.
The "Visual Calculation" section illustrates this process.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Why is hexadecimal used in computing?
- Hexadecimal is a more human-friendly way to represent binary-coded values. One hexadecimal digit represents exactly four binary digits (a nibble), making it very easy to convert between the two systems. It's much simpler to read 'FF' than '11111111'.
- Where would I see hexadecimal numbers?
- The most common place is in web design for defining colors (e.g., #FFFFFF is white). You'll also see it in programming for memory addresses, data representation, and error codes.