How to convert binary to hexadecimal (example: 10011100)
The simplest way is to go through decimal (or through binary): convert binary 10011100 to decimal (156), then convert decimal to hexadecimal (9C). Shortcut: each octal digit equals 3 binary digits and each hex digit equals 4 binary digits, so you can group bits directly.
Place value chart
Every digit of 10011100 (base 2) is worth its value multiplied by a power of 2. Adding the last column gives the decimal value 156.
| Digit | Place value | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
1 | 27 = 128 | 128 |
0 | 26 = 64 | 0 |
0 | 25 = 32 | 0 |
1 | 24 = 16 | 16 |
1 | 23 = 8 | 8 |
1 | 22 = 4 | 4 |
0 | 21 = 2 | 0 |
0 | 20 = 1 | 0 |
Remember: in base 16 the allowed digits are 0123456789ABCDEF; in base 2 they are 01.
Binary to Hexadecimal table
| Binary | Hexadecimal |
|---|---|
0 | 0 |
1 | 1 |
10 | 2 |
11 | 3 |
100 | 4 |
101 | 5 |
111 | 7 |
1000 | 8 |
1010 | A |
1111 | F |
10000 | 10 |
11001 | 19 |
100000 | 20 |
110010 | 32 |
1000000 | 40 |
1100100 | 64 |
1111111 | 7F |
10000000 | 80 |
11111111 | FF |
100000000 | 100 |
1000000000 | 200 |
1111101000 | 3E8 |
10000000000 | 400 |
11111101010 | 7EA |
Where number systems are used
- Binary — how CPUs, memory and network packets store every value.
- Octal — Unix/Linux file permissions such as chmod 755.
- Hexadecimal — colour codes (#FF5733), MAC addresses, memory dumps and Unicode code points.
- Decimal — everyday arithmetic, prices and measurements.
About these number systems
Binary
Binary (base 2) uses only 0 and 1. Every digital device stores data in binary.
Hexadecimal
Hexadecimal (base 16) uses 0–9 and A–F, common in programming, colour codes and memory addresses.
Frequently asked questions
What is 10011100 (binary) in hexadecimal?
10011100 in base 2 equals 9C in base 16.
Can it convert very large numbers?
Yes. The converter uses arbitrary-precision integers (BigInt), so large numbers convert exactly.
Is this useful for HSC ICT?
Yes. Number systems are part of the HSC ICT syllabus in Bangladesh, and the step-by-step method matches textbook solutions.