Number Base Converter
Convert a value between binary, octal, decimal, hexadecimal and any base from 2 to 36.
Number Base Converter
255 in base 10 to base 2
Value to convert
Any base from 2 to 36. Binary, octal, decimal and hex are shown below the result.
How to use the base converter
- Type a value and say which base it is in.
- Pick the base to convert to, any base from 2 to 36.
- The result and the binary, octal, decimal and hex forms all show at once.
About Random Nr's Number Base Converter
The number base converter changes a value between binary, octal, decimal, hexadecimal and any base from 2 to 36, in both directions. Type a number, pick the base it is in and the base you want, and Random Nr shows the converted value instantly, which saves manual working when you move between number systems for programming or maths.
How the number 255 looks in each base
The same quantity looks completely different from base to base, while meaning exactly the same thing. The number two hundred and fifty five, one less than 256, is a useful landmark because it is the largest value a single byte holds.
| Base | Name | 255 written in it |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Binary | 11111111 |
| 8 | Octal | 377 |
| 10 | Decimal | 255 |
| 16 | Hexadecimal | FF |
| 36 | Base 36 | 73 |
Binary shows why 255 matters: eight ones, a full byte. Hexadecimal packs those eight bits into two neat digits, FF, which is why hex and bytes go together so naturally.
Why bases above ten use letters
A base needs one symbol per digit value. Base 10 uses 0 through 9, but base 16 needs six more symbols for the values ten to fifteen, so it borrows the letters A to F. The pattern continues up to base 36, which uses all ten digits plus all 26 letters, the practical limit of a single character per digit. That is why this converter stops at 36, and why a value like 1Z is perfectly valid in a high base.
Reading the converted value in every base
Under every result the converter lists the value in binary, octal, decimal and hex together, the four bases that come up most in programming, colour codes and low level data. To generate random values directly in a base, use the binary, hex or octal generators.
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Frequently asked questions
Which bases are supported
Any base from 2 to 36, since digits run out at the 10 numerals plus the 26 letters. Binary, octal, decimal and hexadecimal are the common ones and are shown together.
How do I read hexadecimal
Hex uses the digits 0 to 9 then the letters A to F for 10 to 15, so FF is 255. The converter shows letters in upper case.
Can I convert letters and digits
Yes. For bases above 10 you can enter digits and letters, for example 1A in base 16, and convert to any other base.
Does it handle negative numbers
Yes. A leading minus sign is kept, so minus values convert and display with the sign.
Is it free
Yes, free and with no sign up. Everything runs in your browser and nothing you enter leaves your device.
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For random values in a base see the binary, hex or octal generators.