The Hexadecimal Number System

To write numbers in base 16, we need to expand on the 10 characters (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) used to represent numbers in base 10. The convention is to add "A" for ten, "B" for eleven, "C" for twelve, "D" for thirteen, "E" for fourteen, and "F" for fifteen. Here is a table giving examples of equivalent representations of numbers in the decimal and hexadecimal number systems.

	Decimal		Hexadecimal
  	   1			   1
	  10			   A	
	  15			   F
	  16			  10
	 100			  64
	 255			  FF
	 256			 100
	1024			 400
	4095			 FFF
	4096			1000

If you need to convert between decimal and hexadecimal numbers, one readily accessible tool is the calculator made available in the Accessories Group. Choose the Scientific mode from the View menu item. Enter a decimal number, then click the "Hex" button to see it in hexadecimal format.

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Maintained by John Mahaffy : jhm@cac.psu.edu