Hex To Decimal Converter
Instantly convert hexadecimal numbers to decimal and vice versa with step-by-step place value breakdown and binary, octal, and hex comparison. Free online number base converter.
About This Calculator
The Hex to Decimal Converter converts hexadecimal numbers (base 16) to decimal (base 10) and vice versa. Hexadecimal uses digits 0-9 and letters A-F, where A=10, B=11, C=12, D=13, E=14, and F=15. This number system is essential in computing, web design, and digital electronics because each hex digit represents exactly four binary bits, making it a compact and readable way to express binary data.
Our converter supports bidirectional conversion — enter a hex value like FF and instantly see its decimal equivalent (255), or enter a decimal and get the hex result. Results also include binary and octal equivalents for a complete picture. A step-by-step breakdown shows the place-value multiplication for hex-to-decimal or the repeated-division process for decimal-to-hex, helping students and professionals understand the underlying math.
Hexadecimal is used everywhere in technology: HTML and CSS color codes use six-digit hex values (#FF5733 defines red, green, and blue components); memory addresses in debuggers and assembly language are displayed in hex; MAC addresses on network interfaces are twelve hex digits; and Unicode assigns code points like U+1F600 in hex. Programmers frequently use hex when working with low-level data, bitmasks, and embedded systems because it is far more readable than long binary strings.
Understanding hex-to-decimal conversion is a foundational skill for computer science students, software developers, web designers, and electronics engineers. The converter also shows binary and octal forms so you can see how the same number is represented across all common number systems used in computing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert hex to decimal?
Multiply each hex digit by 16 raised to the power of its position from the right, starting at 0. For hex digits A-F, use A=10, B=11, C=12, D=13, E=14, F=15. For example, hex 2F = 2×16¹ + 15×16⁰ = 32 + 15 = 47 in decimal.
What is FF in hex in decimal?
FF in hexadecimal equals 255 in decimal. F is 15 in decimal, so FF = 15×16 + 15×1 = 240 + 15 = 255. FF is the largest two-digit hex number.
How do I convert decimal to hex?
Divide the decimal number by 16 repeatedly, recording remainders. Remainders 10-15 become A-F. Read remainders from bottom to top. For example, 255 ÷ 16 = 15 remainder 15, then 15 ÷ 16 = 0 remainder 15, giving FF.
Where is hexadecimal used in computing?
Hexadecimal is widely used in computing for memory addresses, HTML/CSS color codes (like #FF5733), MAC addresses, assembly language, Unicode code points, debugging tools, and representing binary data compactly since each hex digit maps to exactly 4 bits.
How do you convert hex to binary?
Each hex digit converts to exactly 4 binary bits: 0=0000, 1=0001, ..., 9=1001, A=1010, B=1011, C=1100, D=1101, E=1110, F=1111. For example, hex 2F becomes 0010 1111 in binary. This is why hex is a compact shorthand for binary.
What is the difference between hex, decimal, octal, and binary?
These are number systems with different bases: decimal (base 10) uses 0-9, binary (base 2) uses 0-1, octal (base 8) uses 0-7, and hexadecimal (base 16) uses 0-9 and A-F. Each system represents the same numeric value differently. Hex is preferred in computing because it maps cleanly to 4-bit binary chunks.
How do you read hex color codes for web design?
A hex color code like #FF5733 has three two-digit hex pairs: FF (red), 57 (green), 33 (blue). Each pair ranges from 00 to FF (0 to 255 decimal). Convert each pair to decimal to get the RGB values. For example, #FF5733 = RGB(255, 87, 51).
Is this hex converter completely free?
Yes, it is completely free to use with no registration, account, or hidden charges. You can convert unlimited numbers between hex, decimal, binary, and octal instantly.