Hexadecimal to Decimal Converter
Free online hexadecimal to decimal converter with step-by-step explanation. Convert any hexadecimal number to decimal and see the sum of the powers of 16.
About this tool
The hexadecimal system (base 16) uses the digits 0 to 9 and the letters A to F, making it the preferred compact way to represent binary values in programming, CSS colors, and memory addresses. This tool translates any hexadecimal number into the corresponding decimal value and shows in detail the two classic conversion methods: the sum of the powers of 16 and the successive multiplication method.
Step-by-Step Resolution (Sum of the Powers of 16)
Each digit is worth the power of 16 matching its position. The table below uses the hexadecimal number entered in the input field, multiplying the decimal value of each digit by its weight and adding up the contributions:
| Digit | Decimal Value | Power (16^n) | Weight | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | 15 | 161 | 16 | 15 × 16 = 240 |
| F | 15 | 160 | 1 | 15 × 1 = 15 |
255Successive Multiplication Method
A practical alternative that avoids calculating powers: start from the leftmost digit, multiply the running total by 16 and add the value of the next digit until the end of the number:
| # | Digit | Calculation | Running Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | F | 0 × 16 + 15 | 15 |
| 2 | F | 15 × 16 + 15 | 255 |
Hexadecimal Digit Table
Hexadecimal needs 16 symbols for each position, so the letters A to F continue the count after 9. Use this reference to quickly identify the decimal value of each digit:
How to Use the Hexadecimal to Decimal 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 Decimal Result
The base-10 value appears automatically right below, with no need to click any button.
Copy or Explore the Step-by-Step
Click to copy the result, or scroll down to see the sum of the powers of 16 and the successive multiplication method applied to your number.
Practical Applications of Hexadecimal Conversion
Hexadecimal shows up everywhere in development and electronics. See where the conversion is used:
- CSS Colors and DesignFinding the decimal value of each channel in a hexadecimal color to convert it to RGB or fine-tune palettes.
- Programming and DebuggingReading memory addresses, hex dumps, error codes, and constants written with the 0x prefix.
- Computer NetworksInterpreting MAC addresses, IPv6 address blocks, and packet headers displayed in hexadecimal.
- Electronics and MicrocontrollersConverting register values, bit masks, and I2C device addresses found in datasheets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hexadecimal to Decimal
The hexadecimal number FF equals 255 in decimal, the result of 15 × 16 + 15. It's the largest value representable in two hexadecimal digits and also the largest value of an unsigned byte.
The '0x' prefix (e.g. 0x1F4) is the convention used in programming languages such as C, JavaScript, and Python to explicitly indicate that the following number is in base 16. This converter accepts the prefix and ignores it in the calculation.
Each base-16 position has to represent 16 distinct values, but the decimal system only offers the symbols 0 to 9. The letters A to F complete the count, standing for 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 respectively.
Yes. The '#' is ignored automatically and the value is treated as a single number, giving 16,734,003. If you want the separate RGB channels, convert each pair of digits individually: FF = 255, 57 = 87, and 33 = 51.