Those symbols are 0-9 and A-F. ## Where and Why Is Hexadecimal Used?
Most error codes and other values used inside a computer are represented in the hexadecimal format.
For example,STOP codesthat display on aBlue Screen of Deathare always in hexadecimal format.
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A web designer would use the hex value FF0000 to define the color red.
Yes, binary is much simpler in some ways, but it’s harder toread binarythan hex.
A regular math problem like 14+12 can normally be done without writing anything down.
Most of us can do that in our headsit’s 26.
When added together, 10, 4, 10, and 2, equals 26.
The 3 stands on its own because it’s the last number.
Take away the first two, and 3 is still 3.
This means 123 turns into 100+20+3, or 123.
The same is true if the number is in the thousands, like 1,234.
This means 2F7+C2C is really 759+3116, which is equal to 3,875.
For example, entering 7FF into a converter will instantly tell you that the equivalent decimal value is 2,047.
Hexadecimal calculators can be just as handy as a decimal system calculator, but for use with hexadecimal values.
7FF plus 7FF, for example, is FFE.
Math Warehouse’shex calculator supports combining number systems.
It also supports octal.
EasyCalculation.comis an even easier calculator to use.
It also shows the decimal equivalents next to the hex answers.
More Information on Hexadecimal
The wordhexadecimalis a combination ofhexa(meaning 6) anddecimal(10).
Binary is base-2, octal is base-8, and decimal is, of course, base-10.
TheWindows Registryis one place where you might run into hexadecimal values on a computer.
Specifically, when dealing with DWORD and QWORDregistry values.
FAQ
Hexadecimal code is technically a low-level programming language since programmers use it to translate binary code.
The processor can’t actually understand hexadecimal code.
It’s just a shorthand for programmers.
Swedish American engineer John Williams Nystrom developed the hexadecimal notation system in 1859.
