Math

Hex Converter

Convert Hexadecimal to Any Number Base

Hexadecimal (base 16) is the standard format for memory addresses, CSS color codes (#FF5733), cryptographic hashes, MAC addresses, and register values. Each hex digit represents exactly 4 binary bits.

Number Base Conversion Tips

Click to show tips

Try an Example

Pick a scenario to see how the calculator works, then adjust the values

ASCII Letter A

Convert the ASCII code for uppercase A (65) across all bases.

Key values: Decimal 65 · Binary 1000001 · Hex 41

Byte Maximum

The largest value a single byte can hold (255).

Key values: Decimal 255 · Binary 11111111 · Hex FF

Hex Color Code

Convert a common hex color code (deep sky blue) to other bases.

Key values: Hex 00BFFF · Decimal 49151 · Binary nibbles

Documentation

This calculator is also known as Hex Converter.

Read the complete guide

What is Hexadecimal?

Hexadecimal extends decimal with six additional digits: A (10), B (11), C (12), D (13), E (14), F (15). This gives 16 unique single-character symbols, hence "hexadecimal" (hex = 6, decimal = 10).

Why Hex is Used in Computing

Hex is used because each hex digit corresponds to exactly 4 binary bits:

Memory addresses: 0x7FFF0000
CSS colors: #FF5733
MAC addresses: AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF
Byte inspection in hex editors

Examples

CSS Color Code

Convert #FF5733 to RGB decimal values.

FF = 255, 57 = 87, 33 = 51. So RGB(255, 87, 51).

Key takeaway: Each pair of hex digits in a color code represents one RGB channel (0-255).

Memory Address

Convert hex DEADBEEF to decimal.

13*16^7 + 14*16^6 + 10*16^5 + 13*16^4 + 11*16^3 + 14*16^2 + 14*16 + 15 = 3735928559.

Key takeaway: DEADBEEF is a classic test value in computing, equal to 3,735,928,559 in decimal.

Byte Max Value

What is FF in decimal?

15 * 16 + 15 = 255.

Key takeaway: FF hex equals 255 decimal, the maximum value of a single byte (8 bits all set to 1).

Working with Hex in Practice

Tips for using hexadecimal effectively:

Memorize the hex-to-nibble table (0-F to 0000-1111)
Use hex for CSS color codes -- each pair is an RGB channel (00-FF)
Remember common values: FF = 255, 80 = 128, 7F = 127
Use 0x prefix in code to distinguish hex from decimal literals

Frequently Asked Questions about Hex Converter

What does 0x mean before hex numbers?

The 0x prefix is a programming convention (used in C, JavaScript, Python, and others) to indicate that the following digits are hexadecimal, not decimal.

Is hex case-sensitive?

No. Both uppercase (A-F) and lowercase (a-f) represent the same values. Convention is to use uppercase in output.

How do I convert hex colors to RGB?

Split the 6-digit hex code into three pairs: the first pair is Red, the second is Green, the third is Blue. Convert each pair from hex to decimal. For example, #1A8FE3 gives R=26, G=143, B=227.