Hexadecimal to Decimal Translator: A Simple Guide

Ever felt lost when trying to convert hex codes to regular numbers? You're not alone! It's a bit tricky, but don't worry, it's totally doable. This guide breaks it down, step-by-step, making it clear for everyone, just like showing you the best way to build a house.

Understanding Hexadecimal (Hex)

Hexadecimal is a way to represent numbers, kinda like a different language for numbers! It uses 16 symbols (0-9 and A-F) to show any number you want.

Why Use Hexadecimal?

Source: geeksforgeeks.org

• Hexadecimal is great for computers (computers are more efficient dealing with hexadecimal numbers!)

• You can represent large numbers easily in a short way (It’s efficient, so saves you a lot of time).

Hex vs. Decimal

• Decimal: We use everyday, with 10 symbols (0-9).

• Hexadecimal: Uses 16 symbols (0-9 and A-F).

Decimal to Hexadecimal Conversion (easy to learn too)

This process converts decimal to a hex. For example: converting 10 to hex 10

Steps to Convert

Source: linuxsimply.com

1. Divide the decimal number by 16.

2. Write down the remainder, convert it to hex as needed, record in the hex portion, it’s kinda like doing this calculation one step at a time. For example, divide 10 by 16. (remainder 10, so decimal 10 represents Hex 'A' )

3. Now use the quotient to divide again with 16. Keep doing the above two steps repeatedly with the new quotients. It’s a loop process (don't forget!)

Examples and Explanations

Let's convert 255 from decimal to hex:

1. 255 / 16 = 15 remainder 15. This in hex is 15

2. 15 / 16 = 0 remainder 15. Now in hex form, remainder 15. The quotient is now 0 (ending condition).

3. Combining results: start from bottom -> top (reverse the calculation!).

   The remainder was 15 ( hex f). The next 15 is f, which when arranged together yields hex 'FF' from (remainder 15) to ( remainder 15)

Thus 255(decimal) = FF(hex). (simple process, right?)

Hexadecimal to Decimal Conversion (Converting Hex to Decimal)

Want to do the opposite? converting the hex 'FF' into decimal form?

This section details this.

Source: circuitglobe.com

How To?

Let’s use 255 again:

1. Identify the position (number): In hex ‘FF’, F represents the second digit (from right). F can also represent the first digit, in the above example, if you don’t understand this well just start practicing doing this calculation using hex examples). So let’s work with 'FF' and see the final results)

2. Evaluate each part by looking at their corresponding power(exponentials):

    Let’s call 1, the left most part of hex, starting from the rightmost value,  '1' in the above example
   

   The hex ‘F’, in terms of its positions corresponds to (base-16 position), like a staircase, so 15 x (16^0) this means 15 X 1 equals to 15 in decimal representation

   The next hex F equals to 15 X (16^1). It gives (15 x 16 ) = 240 in decimal.

3. Sum up all parts,

      FF   ->   15 + 240 (that we calculated above) this now results into =  255 (our decimal representation for hexadecimal representation FF ). It gives a clear visual to this number.
   

Steps

1. Determine positions, each number's location in the hex (15 255 (result).). You need to carefully calculate the power. Don’t mix up decimal and hexadecimal representation, keep track, and record your findings

2. Find corresponding decimal values and record their representation . Look up each number position's numerical representation if it's above nine .

3. Now do the calculation, the final step, sum all the individual results you recorded. Calculate using powers and exponential value calculation, this should be equal to your calculated final result using ( 15 255 ) or something along this lines

Hex to Dec: Practice

Source: mathworksheets4kids.com

Can you convert A1 from hex to decimal? Try doing this on your own. What are you waiting for?, it's totally simple! Let me know, (just let me know when you need more clarification about specific steps.)

Conclusion: Hexadecimal Conversion is Easier Than You Think

So, you see, converting between hexadecimal and decimal is really doable! (Don’t worry, everyone feels confused sometimes when starting. That's okay! Try repeating this section in your mind.) Try practice. Convert a couple more (A0 to 549A etc.). This is great stuff, converting Hex to Decimal to Hex, these can look like great coding/computer knowledge!. I hope that you find that your computer/ coding will now look more straightforward because now you understand more (I truly hope that). Feel free to re-read, practice, or ask questions if any doubts remains!, that’s the goal here!