HEX to Binary
HEX to Binary is the process of converting a hexadecimal number (base-16) into its equivalent binary number (base-2). Each hexadecimal digit corresponds to a unique 4-bit binary value. This conversion is commonly used in computing to represent data in a more machine-readable format, as computers process data in binary.
HEX to Binary is the process of converting a hexadecimal number (base-16) into its equivalent binary number (base-2). Each hexadecimal digit corresponds to a unique 4-bit binary value. This conversion is commonly used in computing to represent data in a more machine-readable format, as computers process data in binary.
How It Works:
- Identify each hexadecimal digit: Each hexadecimal digit can be directly converted into a 4-bit binary equivalent.
- Convert each hexadecimal digit to its 4-bit binary representation.
- Combine the binary digits to form the full binary number.
HEX to Binary Conversion Table:
Hexadecimal | Binary |
---|---|
0 | 0000 |
1 | 0001 |
2 | 0010 |
3 | 0011 |
4 | 0100 |
5 | 0101 |
6 | 0110 |
7 | 0111 |
8 | 1000 |
9 | 1001 |
A (10) | 1010 |
B (11) | 1011 |
C (12) | 1100 |
D (13) | 1101 |
E (14) | 1110 |
F (15) | 1111 |
Example of HEX to Binary Conversion:
Let's convert the hexadecimal number 2F
into binary.
- Convert each hexadecimal digit:
2
(hexadecimal) =0010
(binary)F
(hexadecimal) =1111
(binary)
- Combine the binary digits:
0010
(for2
) and1111
(forF
) gives00101111
.
So, 2F
in hexadecimal equals 00101111
in binary.
Example 2:
Convert 7A9
from hexadecimal to binary.
-
Convert each hexadecimal digit:
7
(hexadecimal) =0111
(binary)A
(hexadecimal) =1010
(binary)9
(hexadecimal) =1001
(binary)
-
Combine the binary digits:
0111
(for7
),1010
(forA
), and1001
(for9
) gives011110101001
.
So, 7A9
in hexadecimal equals 011110101001
in binary.
Example 3:
Convert 1B3
from hexadecimal to binary.
-
Convert each hexadecimal digit:
1
(hexadecimal) =0001
(binary)B
(hexadecimal) =1011
(binary)3
(hexadecimal) =0011
(binary)
-
Combine the binary digits:
0001
(for1
),1011
(forB
), and0011
(for3
) gives000110110011
.
So, 1B3
in hexadecimal equals 000110110011
in binary.
Why Use HEX to Binary Conversion?
-
Computer Representation: Computers process data in binary form. Converting hexadecimal to binary allows for easy processing and interpretation of hexadecimal data at the machine level.
-
Memory Addressing: In many systems, memory addresses, color codes, and other important data are represented in hexadecimal for simplicity, but the underlying machine processes this data in binary.
-
Programming and Debugging: When writing code, especially at a low level (such as assembly programming or working with hardware), it's often necessary to convert hexadecimal to binary to understand how the computer interprets data.
-
Data Compression and Encoding: Converting hexadecimal to binary helps in data encoding and file manipulation tasks, such as in file formats, compression algorithms, and networking.
Conversion Steps:
- Step 1: Write out each hexadecimal digit.
- Step 2: Replace each hexadecimal digit with its 4-bit binary equivalent.
- Step 3: Combine the resulting binary values to form the full binary representation.
Summary:
HEX to Binary conversion is a fundamental operation in computing, widely used in programming, debugging, digital electronics, and data representation. It allows a more compact and human-readable form (hexadecimal) to be converted to the low-level format (binary) that computers use for processing.