1.2.23

Hexadecimal

Test yourself

Hexadecimal Numbers

Hexadecimal is faster for humans to process than binary. Hexadecimal allows us to find errors more easily. Hexadecimal is used in every computer system.

Illustrative background for HexadecimalIllustrative background for Hexadecimal ?? "content

Hexadecimal

  • Hexadecimal or hex uses 16 different symbols for each place.
    • This means hexadecimal is a base-16 numerical system.
  • Hexadecimal uses the digits 0-9, then A-F:
    • A = 10 in denary, B = 11 , C = 12, D = 13 and so on.
  • Each digit's place value is multiplied by 16 as we move from right to left.
Illustrative background for AdvantagesIllustrative background for Advantages ?? "content

Advantages

  • An 8-bit binary number can be represented by two hexadecimal digits.
    • This means you can reduce processing time with hexadecimal than with binary.
  • Hex is easier and faster to write two digits than the full binary sequence.
  • It is easier for a human to process hexadecimal than binary.
Illustrative background for Using hexadecimalIllustrative background for Using hexadecimal ?? "content

Using hexadecimal

  • Hexadecimal is used extensively in programming languages such as:
    • Machine code.
    • Assembly.
  • Hex can be used during the debugging stage of writing programs as it is easy to process by humans.
  • Hex can represent numbers stored in a CPU's registers or in main memory.

Jump to other topics

1Computer Systems

1.1Systems Architecture

1.2Memory & Storage

1.3Computer Networks, Connections & Protocols

1.4Network Security

1.5Systems Software

1.6Ethical, Legal, Cultural & Environmental Concern

2Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming

2.1Algorithms

2.2Programming Fundamentals

2.3Producing Robust Programs

2.4Boolean Logic

2.5Programming Languages & IDEs

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson