What is Hexadecimal?

Hexadecimal is a number system that uses 16 digits: 0-9 and A-F. It is a base-16 system, compared to decimal (base-10) and binary (base-2). The additional symbols, A, B, C, D, E, and F, represent values 10 to 15 in decimal.
Hex is commonly used in computing because it provides a more compact representation of binary numbers, making it easier to read and write.

Understanding Hex Numbers

Just like in decimal, where each digit represents a power of 10, in hex, each digit represents a power of 16.

Example: The hex number 2F3 can be converted to decimal as follows:

2 × 16^2      = 512
F (15) × 16^1 = 240
3 × 16^0      = 3
Total         = 512 + 240 + 3 = 755 (decimal)

Converting Between Hex, Decimal, and Binary

• Hex to Decimal: Multiply each hex digit by its corresponding power of 16 and sum the results.
• Decimal to Hex: Continuously divide the decimal number by 16, recording the remainders from bottom to top.
• Hex to Binary: Convert each hex digit to its 4-bit binary equivalent.
• Binary to Hex: Group the binary number into 4-bit segments and convert each to hex.

Example (Convert 45 to hex):

45 ÷ 16 = 2 remainder D
Hex:      2D

Example (Convert 10101101 to hex):

1010 (A)  1101 (D)
Hex: AD

How to Learn Hex Effectively

1. Practice Conversions: Regularly convert numbers between hex, decimal, and binary.
2. Use Online Tools: Try number system converters and hex calculators.
3. Memorize Common Values: Knowing small decimal values (0-255) in hex helps with quick calculations.
4. Understand Hex Applications: Learn how hex is used in memory addresses, color codes, and file formats.
5. Recognize Hex Patterns: Identifying repeated patterns will make conversions faster.

Common Uses of Hexadecimal

• Memory Addresses: Computers and microcontrollers use hex to simplify large memory addresses.
• Colors in Web Design: HTML & CSS use hex for color representation (e.g., #FF5733).
• File Encoding: Many file formats (e.g., JPEG, PNG, and executables) contain hex data.
• Programming & Debugging: Hex is used in assembly language, debugging, and low-level system operations.