Hex to Decimal Converter - Free Online Hexadecimal to Decimal Calculator | Convert Hex Numbers
Convert hexadecimal numbers to decimal instantly with our free online hex to decimal converter. Perfect for programmers, web developers, and computer science students. Convert hex color codes, memory addresses, and hex values to decimal with accurate results.
How to Convert Hex to Decimal
To convert hex to decimal, multiply each hex digit by its corresponding power of 16 and sum the results. Hex digits A-F represent decimal values 10-15. This hex to decimal conversion is essential for web development, programming, and understanding hexadecimal number systems.
Converting hexadecimal to decimal is essential in programming, web development, computer science, and digital design. Hexadecimal (base-16) uses 16 symbols: 0-9 and A-F, where A=10, B=11, C=12, D=13, E=14, F=15. This hex to decimal conversion is one of the most common number system conversions in modern computing.
Hexadecimal is commonly used in programming for memory addresses, color codes (like #FF0000 for red in CSS), error codes, file formats, and representing binary data in a more compact and readable form. Each hex digit represents exactly 4 bits, making it easier to work with binary data and understand memory layouts. Web developers use hex to decimal conversion when working with RGB color values, CSS colors, and color pickers.
To convert hex to decimal, each hex digit represents a power of 16. Starting from the rightmost digit (position 0), each position represents 16 raised to that power. For example, the hex number 1A represents: (1×16¹) + (10×16⁰) = 16 + 10 = 26 in decimal. The letter A represents the decimal value 10. This hex to decimal conversion process is straightforward once you understand that hex digits A-F represent decimal values 10-15.
This conversion is crucial for web developers converting hex color codes to RGB decimal values, programmers debugging memory addresses and hex-encoded data, computer science students learning number systems, network engineers working with MAC addresses, and anyone working with hexadecimal-encoded information. Our free hex to decimal converter provides instant, accurate results for all your conversion needs.
Conversion Examples
Example: Convert 1A (hex) to decimal
- Step 1: Hex number: 1A
- Step 2: Convert A to 10 (decimal)
- Step 3: Calculate: (1×16¹) + (10×16⁰)
- Step 4: Result: 16 + 10 = 26
1A (hex) = 26 (decimal)
A in hex represents 10 in decimal.
Example: Convert FF (hex) to decimal
- Step 1: Hex number: FF
- Step 2: F = 15 in decimal
- Step 3: Calculate: (15×16¹) + (15×16⁰)
- Step 4: Result: 240 + 15 = 255
FF (hex) = 255 (decimal)
FF is the maximum value for 8 bits (255 in decimal), commonly used in color codes like #FFFFFF for white.
Example: Convert #FF0000 (hex color) to decimal RGB values
- Step 1: Hex color code: #FF0000 (red)
- Step 2: FF (red) = 255 in decimal
- Step 3: 00 (green) = 0 in decimal
- Step 4: 00 (blue) = 0 in decimal
- Step 5: RGB decimal values: (255, 0, 0)
#FF0000 (hex) = RGB(255, 0, 0) in decimal
This hex to decimal conversion is essential for web developers working with color codes.
Example: Convert 3F (hex) to decimal - Common Programming Value
- Step 1: Hex number: 3F
- Step 2: 3 = 3 in decimal, F = 15 in decimal
- Step 3: Calculate: (3×16¹) + (15×16⁰)
- Step 4: Result: 48 + 15 = 63
3F (hex) = 63 (decimal)
This hex to decimal conversion is commonly used in programming and memory addresses.
Example: Convert A0 (hex) to decimal - Memory Address Example
- Step 1: Hex number: A0
- Step 2: A = 10 in decimal, 0 = 0 in decimal
- Step 3: Calculate: (10×16¹) + (0×16⁰)
- Step 4: Result: 160 + 0 = 160
A0 (hex) = 160 (decimal)
This hex to decimal conversion is useful when working with memory addresses and offsets.
Example: Convert 7FFF (hex) to decimal - 16-bit Maximum
- Step 1: Hex number: 7FFF
- Step 2: 7 = 7, F = 15, F = 15, F = 15
- Step 3: Calculate: (7×16³) + (15×16²) + (15×16¹) + (15×16⁰)
- Step 4: Result: 28672 + 3840 + 240 + 15 = 32767
7FFF (hex) = 32767 (decimal)
This is the maximum value for a signed 16-bit integer, commonly used in programming.
Common Use Cases
- Web Development: Convert hex color codes (#FF0000) to decimal RGB values (255, 0, 0) for CSS and design
- Programming: Convert hex memory addresses and pointers to decimal for debugging and analysis
- Computer Science Education: Learn hexadecimal number system and hex to decimal conversion
- Debugging: Convert hex error codes, status values, and encoded data to readable decimal format
- Color Design: Convert hex color values to decimal RGB for color manipulation and calculations
- Network Programming: Convert hex MAC addresses and network identifiers to decimal
- File Analysis: Convert hex values in file headers and binary data to decimal for inspection
- Graphics Programming: Convert hex color codes to decimal for image processing and manipulation
- Embedded Systems: Convert hex register values and memory addresses to decimal
- Data Analysis: Convert hex-encoded data to decimal for statistical processing and visualization
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hexadecimal to decimal conversion and why is it important?
Hexadecimal to decimal conversion converts numbers from base-16 (hex) to base-10 (decimal). Hex uses digits 0-9 and letters A-F (where A=10, B=11, C=12, D=13, E=14, F=15). This conversion is crucial because hexadecimal is widely used in programming for memory addresses, color codes, error codes, and binary data representation. Converting hex to decimal makes these values human-readable and easier to work with.
How do you convert hex to decimal manually step by step?
To convert hex to decimal manually: 1) Write the hex number, 2) Starting from the rightmost digit (position 0), assign powers of 16 to each position, 3) Convert hex digits A-F to decimal (A=10, B=11, C=12, D=13, E=14, F=15), 4) Multiply each digit by 16 raised to its position power, 5) Sum all the results. For example, 1A = (1×16¹) + (10×16⁰) = 16 + 10 = 26.
How do I convert hex color codes to decimal RGB values?
To convert hex color codes to decimal RGB, split the hex code into three pairs (RR, GG, BB) and convert each pair from hex to decimal. For example, #FF0000: FF (red) = 255, 00 (green) = 0, 00 (blue) = 0, giving RGB(255, 0, 0). Our hex to decimal converter can handle individual hex values, and you can convert each color component separately.
What does the 0x prefix mean in hex numbers?
The 0x prefix (like 0xFF) is a common notation in programming languages (C, C++, Java, JavaScript) to indicate a hexadecimal number. Our hex to decimal converter automatically recognizes and handles the 0x prefix, so you can enter '0xFF' or 'FF' and get the same result: 255 in decimal.
Can I convert large hex numbers to decimal?
Yes, our hex to decimal converter can handle very large hex numbers. You can convert 8-bit hex values (00-FF = 0-255), 16-bit values (0000-FFFF = 0-65,535), 32-bit values (00000000-FFFFFFFF = 0-4,294,967,295), or even larger hex numbers. The converter automatically handles the conversion regardless of the hex number's length.
How accurate is the hex to decimal conversion?
Our hex to decimal converter provides 100% accurate results. The conversion uses the standard mathematical formula where each hex digit is multiplied by 16 raised to its position power. The tool handles both integer and fractional hex numbers with full precision, ensuring accurate decimal representations.
Why do programmers use hexadecimal instead of decimal?
Programmers use hexadecimal because each hex digit represents exactly 4 bits, making it easier to work with binary data. Hex is more compact than binary (FF vs 11111111) and directly maps to bytes. It's commonly used for memory addresses, color codes, error codes, and binary data representation. Converting hex to decimal helps make these values more understandable.
What are common hex to decimal conversion examples?
Common examples include: FF (hex) = 255 (decimal), 1A (hex) = 26 (decimal), 3F (hex) = 63 (decimal), A0 (hex) = 160 (decimal), and 7FFF (hex) = 32767 (decimal). These hex to decimal conversions are frequently used in programming, especially when working with color codes, memory addresses, and 8-bit or 16-bit values.
How do I convert hex memory addresses to decimal?
To convert hex memory addresses to decimal, simply enter the hex address (with or without 0x prefix) into our converter. For example, memory address 0x1000 in hex converts to 4096 in decimal. This hex to decimal conversion is useful for debugging, memory analysis, and understanding program memory layout.
Can I convert negative hex numbers to decimal?
Yes, our converter can handle negative hex numbers using two's complement representation, which is how computers represent negative integers. Simply enter the hex number (including sign indication if applicable), and the converter will provide the correct decimal value, including negative numbers.
Is hex to decimal conversion the same as hex to binary?
No, hex to decimal converts hexadecimal to base-10 (decimal), while hex to binary converts hexadecimal to base-2 (binary). However, you can convert hex to decimal first, then decimal to binary if needed. Our converter provides direct hex to decimal conversion for immediate results.
How do web developers use hex to decimal conversion?
Web developers use hex to decimal conversion primarily for color codes. CSS uses hex colors like #FF0000, but sometimes you need decimal RGB values (255, 0, 0) for calculations, color manipulation, or API calls. Converting hex to decimal helps developers work with colors programmatically and understand color values better.
What's the fastest way to convert hex to decimal?
The fastest way is to use our free online hex to decimal converter. Simply enter your hex number (with or without 0x prefix) and get instant decimal results. For manual conversion, memorize that A=10, B=11, C=12, D=13, E=14, F=15, and use powers of 16. Our tool eliminates calculation errors and provides accurate hex to decimal conversion instantly.
Can I use this hex to decimal converter for educational purposes?
Absolutely! Our hex to decimal converter is perfect for computer science students, programming learners, web development students, and anyone studying number systems. It provides step-by-step examples, accurate results, and helps you understand the relationship between hexadecimal and decimal number systems. Use it to verify your manual calculations and learn the conversion process.