Hexadecimal to Binary Converter
Free online hexadecimal to binary converter with step-by-step explanation. Convert any hexadecimal number to binary and see the 4 bits of each digit.
About this tool
Converting hexadecimal (base 16) to binary (base 2) is the most direct conversion between bases because 16 is a power of 2: each hexadecimal digit corresponds to exactly 4 bits, with no divisions or powers to calculate. This tool translates any hexadecimal number into the matching sequence of bits and shows the digit-by-digit breakdown, along with the full reference table of all 16 symbols.
Step-by-Step Resolution (4 Bits per Digit)
Each hexadecimal digit is replaced by its block of 4 bits, always padded with leading zeros. The table below applies that substitution to the number entered in the input field, in the same order the digits appear:
| # | Digit | Decimal Value | Block of 4 Bits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | F | 15 | 1111 |
| 2 | F | 15 | 1111 |
1111 1111In the final result the leading zeros are dropped, since they don't change the value of the number.
Hexadecimal → Binary Reference Table
The 16 hexadecimal symbols and their blocks of 4 bits. Memorising this table lets you convert any hexadecimal number in your head, with no arithmetic at all:
How to Use the Hexadecimal to Binary Converter
Enter the Hexadecimal Number
Enter the value you want to convert into the input field. You can paste the number with spaces, with the '0x' prefix, or with the '#' used in CSS colors.
See the Binary Result
The sequence of bits appears automatically right below, in two versions: the plain value and the version grouped in blocks of 4 bits, which is easier to check.
Copy or Explore the Step-by-Step
Click to copy the result, or scroll down to see each digit broken down into 4 bits and the complete reference table.
Practical Applications of Hexadecimal to Binary Conversion
The equivalence between one hexadecimal digit and 4 bits underpins much of low-level computing. See where it's used:
- Bit Masks and FlagsFinding out exactly which bits are set in a constant written in hexadecimal, such as 0x0F or 0xFF00.
- Registers and MicrocontrollersTranslating register values from datasheets into the bit pattern that actually configures each pin or peripheral.
- Networks and ProtocolsExpanding header bytes, MAC addresses, and IPv6 blocks to analyse fields defined bit by bit.
- Computer Architecture StudiesSolving and checking base conversion exercises in digital electronics and computing courses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hexadecimal to Binary
The hexadecimal number FF equals 11111111 in binary. Each F is worth 1111, so you just join the two blocks of 4 bits. This is also the largest value of a byte, 255 in decimal.
Because 16 equals 2⁴. Since each hexadecimal position represents 16 distinct values and 4 bits also represent 16 combinations (from 0000 to 1111), the match is perfect and requires no intermediate calculation.
No. Going through decimal works, but it's a longer route and more prone to mistakes. Directly replacing each digit with its block of 4 bits gives the same result in a single step.
Leading zeros don't change the value of the number, so the final result omits them: 1F4 becomes 0001 1111 0100 in the breakdown and 111110100 as the plain value. Use the version grouped in blocks of 4 bits when you need to keep the digit alignment.