Free Hex to Binary Converter – Convert Hexadecimal to Binary Online
Convert hexadecimal numbers to binary instantly. See step-by-step conversion for each digit. Group output in 4-bit chunks. Supports 0x prefix. 100% free, browser-based.
What Is Hexadecimal to Binary Conversion?
Hexadecimal to binary conversion transforms base-16 numbers (using 0-9 and A-F) into base-2 numbers (using only 0 and 1). Each hexadecimal digit converts to exactly 4 binary digits, making this conversion straightforward and predictable.
Why Convert Hex to Binary?
- Bit-level analysis: See individual bits in data
- Hardware debugging: Understand register values at bit level
- Learning: Visualize how hex values map to binary
- Bitwise operations: Prepare values for bit manipulation
How to Use This Tool
Step 1: Enter Hexadecimal
Type your hex value (with or without 0x prefix).
Step 2: Choose Formatting
Enable/disable 4-bit grouping for readability.
Step 3: View Conversion
See the binary result and step-by-step breakdown.
Step 4: Copy Result
Click copy to use the binary output.
Conversion Method
Each hex digit maps to exactly 4 binary digits:
Example: Convert A5 to Binary
- Split into individual digits:
Aand5 - Convert each to 4-bit binary:
A= 10 = 10105= 5 = 0101
- Combine: 10100101
Hex to Binary Reference Table
| Hex | Binary | Decimal |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0000 | 0 |
| 1 | 0001 | 1 |
| 2 | 0010 | 2 |
| 3 | 0011 | 3 |
| 4 | 0100 | 4 |
| 5 | 0101 | 5 |
| 6 | 0110 | 6 |
| 7 | 0111 | 7 |
| 8 | 1000 | 8 |
| 9 | 1001 | 9 |
| A | 1010 | 10 |
| B | 1011 | 11 |
| C | 1100 | 12 |
| D | 1101 | 13 |
| E | 1110 | 14 |
| F | 1111 | 15 |
Common Conversion Examples
| Hexadecimal | Binary | Description |
|---|---|---|
| FF | 11111111 | Maximum byte value |
| 00 | 00000000 | Zero byte |
| 80 | 10000000 | High bit set |
| 0F | 00001111 | Low nibble set |
| F0 | 11110000 | High nibble set |
| AA | 10101010 | Alternating pattern |
| 55 | 01010101 | Inverse alternating |
| DEADBEEF | 11011110101011011011111011101111 | Debug marker |
Understanding Hexadecimal
Why 16 Values?
Hex uses 16 symbols because:
- 4 bits can represent 16 values (2⁴ = 16)
- Perfect grouping for 8-bit bytes (2 hex digits)
- Clean mapping to binary
Common Hex Prefixes
| Prefix | Language/Context |
|---|---|
| 0x | C, JavaScript, Python |
| 0X | Same as above, uppercase |
| # | CSS color codes |
| $ | Assembly, some BASICs |
| &H | Visual Basic |
Use Cases
Programming
- Analyzing memory addresses
- Understanding byte values in debuggers
- Working with bit flags
Web Development
- Converting hex colors to understand RGB bits
- Analyzing character codes
Networking
- Examining packet data
- Converting MAC addresses
- Understanding IP header fields
Embedded Systems
- Reading microcontroller registers
- Debugging hardware interfaces
- Analyzing I/O port values
4-Bit Grouping
Grouping binary output in 4-bit chunks improves readability:
Without grouping: 1101111010101101
With grouping: 1101 1110 1010 1101
The grouped format makes it easier to:
- Verify each hex digit conversion
- Spot patterns
- Avoid counting errors
Input Formats Supported
- Plain hex:
FF,DEAD,1234 - With 0x prefix:
0xFF,0xDEAD - With spaces:
DE AD BE EF - Mixed case:
DeAdBeEf
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it handle the 0x prefix?
Yes. The prefix is automatically removed before conversion.
Is there a length limit?
No practical limit. Large hex strings work fine.
Can I use lowercase letters?
Yes. Both a-f and A-F are accepted.
Is the conversion accurate?
Yes. Each hex digit always maps to exactly 4 binary digits.