Free Base32 Encoder & Decoder – Convert Text to Base32 Online
Encode text to Base32 or decode Base32 to text. RFC 4648 compliant implementation. Instant conversion, copy output, swap modes. Free, fast, browser-based.
What Is Base32 Encoding?
Base32 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data using a set of 32 ASCII characters. Unlike Base64 which uses 64 characters, Base32 uses only uppercase letters A-Z and digits 2-7, making it case-insensitive and avoiding visually similar characters.
Base32 Character Set
| Characters | Description |
|---|---|
| A-Z | 26 uppercase letters |
| 2-7 | 6 digits (0, 1, 8, 9 avoided) |
| = | Padding character |
Why Use Base32?
Case Insensitivity: Works reliably in case-insensitive contexts.
Human Readable: Avoids confusing characters (0/O, 1/I/l).
DNS Safe: Valid for DNS labels and domain names.
URL Safe: No special characters requiring escaping.
How to Use This Tool
To Encode:
- Select "Encode" mode
- Enter your text
- Copy the Base32 output
To Decode:
- Select "Decode" mode
- Enter Base32 string
- Copy the decoded text
Base32 vs Base64
| Feature | Base32 | Base64 |
|---|---|---|
| Character set | 32 chars | 64 chars |
| Case sensitive | No | Yes |
| Output size | 60% larger | 33% larger |
| Human readable | Better | Worse |
| Use cases | DNS, OTP | Email, URLs |
Common Uses
TOTP/HOTP Secrets
Two-factor authentication secrets are typically Base32 encoded:
Secret: JBSWY3DPEHPK3PXP
DNS Records
DNSSEC and other DNS extensions use Base32.
File Systems
Some file systems use Base32 for case-insensitive names.
Data Encoding
General-purpose data encoding where case matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does output have padding (=)?
Padding ensures the encoded string length is a multiple of 8.
Is Base32 encryption?
No. Base32 is encoding, not encryption. Anyone can decode it.
Why A-Z and 2-7 only?
This avoids characters like 0/O and 1/I that are easily confused.
Related Tools
- Base64 Encoder — Base64 encoding
- Hex Encoder — Hexadecimal encoding
- URL Encoder — URL encoding
Enter text or Base32 above to convert instantly.