Hex to Binary Converter
Convert hexadecimal to binary and binary to hexadecimal instantly
About Hex to Binary Conversion
Hexadecimal (base 16) and binary (base 2) are fundamental number systems in computer science. Hexadecimal uses digits 0-9 and letters A-F to represent values 0-15, while binary uses only 0 and 1.
Common Use Cases
- Programming and debugging - analyzing memory addresses and data
- Computer graphics - working with color codes and pixel data
- Network protocols - analyzing packet headers and data
- Cryptography - working with keys and hash values
- Embedded systems - configuring registers and hardware settings
Conversion Examples
Hex to Binary (with 4-bit grouping):
- FF → 1111 1111
- 1A → 0001 1010
- C0DE → 1100 0000 1101 1110
Hex to Binary (with 8-bit grouping):
- FF → 11111111
- 1A2B → 00011010 00101011
- C0DE → 11000000 11011110
Binary to Hex:
- 11111111 → FF
- 00011010 → 1A
- 1100000011011110 → C0DE
Supported Input Formats:
- Standard: FF, 1A2B, C0DE
- Prefixed: 0xFF, 0x1A2B, 0xC0DE
- CSS style: #FF, #1A2B, #C0DE
- Spaced: FF 1A, C0:DE, FF-1A-2B
How to Use
- 1
Select conversion mode
Choose between Hex to Binary or Binary to Hex conversion using the toggle buttons. The tool instantly switches between modes.
- 2
Configure formatting options
For hex to binary conversion, select 4-bit or 8-bit grouping for readability. Enable mapping visualization to see how each hex digit converts.
- 3
Enter your data
Type or paste hexadecimal (supports 0xFF, #FF, FF:AA formats) or binary data. The tool automatically cleans and validates your input.
- 4
View and copy results
See instant conversion results with proper grouping. Use the copy button to get clean output or swap to convert in reverse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between hexadecimal and binary?
What is the relationship between hexadecimal and binary?
Each hexadecimal digit (0-F) represents exactly 4 binary bits. This makes hex a compact way to represent binary data. For example, hex F equals binary 1111, and hex A equals binary 1010. This 1:4 relationship makes conversion straightforward.
Why use hexadecimal instead of binary?
Why use hexadecimal instead of binary?
Hexadecimal is more compact and human-readable than binary. A byte (8 bits) can be represented with just 2 hex digits instead of 8 binary digits. It's commonly used in programming for memory addresses, color codes, and debugging.
What are common hexadecimal formats?
What are common hexadecimal formats?
Common formats include: 0xFF or 0xff (C-style prefix), #FFFFFF (web colors), FF:FF:FF (MAC addresses), and \xFF (escape sequences). This tool automatically detects and handles these formats.
How do I convert large binary numbers mentally?
How do I convert large binary numbers mentally?
Group binary digits into sets of 4 (nibbles), then convert each group to its hex equivalent. For example: 1101 0010 becomes D2. Learn the 16 conversions (0000=0 through 1111=F) and you can convert any binary to hex quickly.