What is a Number System?

A number system is a way to represent numbers using a specific set of digits.
In computers and digital electronics, different number systems are used to store and process data.

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Types of Number Systems

Decimal Number System (Base 10)

• Digits used: 0 to 9

• Base: 10

• This is the number system we use in daily life.

Example:
245
= (2 × 10²) + (4 × 10¹) + (5 × 10⁰)

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Binary Number System (Base 2)

• Digits used: 0 and 1

• Base: 2

• Used internally by computers.

Example:
1011₂
= (1 × 2³) + (0 × 2²) + (1 × 2¹) + (1 × 2⁰)
= 11₁₀

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Octal Number System (Base 8)

• Digits used: 0 to 7

• Base: 8

• Short form of binary, used in some computer systems.

Example:
17₈
= (1 × 8¹) + (7 × 8⁰)
= 15₁₀

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Hexadecimal Number System (Base 16)

• Digits used: 0–9 and A–F

• Base: 16

• Commonly used in programming, memory addresses, and colors.

Example:
1A₁₆
= (1 × 16¹) + (10 × 16⁰)
= 26₁₀

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Number System Conversion

Conversion means changing a number from one number system to another.

Common Conversions:

• Binary → Decimal

• Decimal → Binary

• Decimal → Octal

• Decimal → Hexadecimal

 Our Number System Calculator automatically converts numbers into all formats instantly.

January 14, 2026