How do you convert decimal to hexadecimal?

Divide the decimal number by 16 repeatedly, recording the remainder each time. Convert each remainder to a hex digit (0-9 stay the same, 10-15 become A-F). Read the remainders in reverse order (last remainder first) to get the hexadecimal result. For example, 255 divided by 16 is 15 remainder 15 (F), then 15 divided by 16 is 0 remainder 15 (F), giving FF.

Why does hexadecimal use letters A to F?

Hexadecimal is base 16, which needs 16 distinct digit symbols. The digits 0 to 9 only provide 10 symbols, so hexadecimal borrows the letters A, B, C, D, E and F to represent the values 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15. This lets a single hex digit represent any value from 0 to 15, which conveniently matches exactly 4 binary bits (a nibble).

Where is hexadecimal used in computing?

Hexadecimal is widely used because each hex digit maps exactly to 4 binary bits, making it a compact, human readable way to represent binary data. Common uses include colour codes in web design (such as #FF5733), memory addresses, MAC addresses, byte values in programming and debugging, and Unicode character codes.

Decimal to Hexadecimal Converter

Convert any decimal (base 10) number into hexadecimal (base 16) instantly. Enter a whole number below and see the result, plus the step by step division-remainder working and the binary and octal equivalents.

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Reference tool Standard base conversion, using the division-remainder method.

1. Enter Decimal Number

Decimal (base 10) number

Output style

2. About This Conversion

Hexadecimal (base 16) uses the digits 0 to 9 and the letters A to F. Each hex digit represents exactly 4 binary bits, which is why hexadecimal is the standard shorthand for binary data in computing, colour codes and memory addresses.

Only non-negative whole numbers are supported. Negative numbers are shown using a leading minus sign on the hex result.

Conversion Result

Hexadecimal
-
Base 16

Decimal

Base 10 (input)

Binary

Base 2

Octal

Base 8

Division-Remainder Working

Read remainders bottom to top-

Digit Breakdown

Total-

Result: Enter a decimal number above.

How to Convert Decimal to Hexadecimal

To convert a decimal number to hexadecimal, repeatedly divide the number by 16 and record the remainder at each step. Convert each remainder into its hex digit (values 10 to 15 become A to F). Once the quotient reaches 0, read the remainders in reverse order, from the last one calculated to the first, to get the final hexadecimal number.

Worked Example: 255 to Hexadecimal

Step	Division	Quotient	Remainder	Hex digit
1	255 ÷ 16	15	15	F
2	15 ÷ 16	0	15	F

Reading the remainders from the last step to the first gives FF. So 255 in decimal equals FF in hexadecimal. As a quick check, FF = (15 × 16) + 15 = 240 + 15 = 255, which confirms the conversion.

Hexadecimal Digit Values

Decimal value	Hex digit
0 to 9	0 to 9
10	A
11	B
12	C
13	D
14	E
15	F

Why Hexadecimal Matters in Computing

Hexadecimal is popular in computing because each hex digit maps exactly onto 4 binary bits (a nibble), and 2 hex digits map onto a full byte (8 bits). This makes hexadecimal a far more compact and readable way to represent binary values than writing out long strings of 1s and 0s. You will see hexadecimal used in web colour codes (such as #1E40AF), memory addresses, MAC addresses, hash values, and error codes.

Related Calculators

Sources: Standard base-16 (hexadecimal) numeral system conventions, as used in computer science and digital electronics.

This calculator handles non-negative whole numbers. Very large numbers are converted using standard JavaScript arithmetic and are accurate for typical use, but extremely large values may lose precision due to floating point limits.

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