Binary Numbers
⭐ MasteredComputers use only two digits, 0 and 1, called binary. Everything on a computer, from pictures to music, is stored as 0s and 1s.
In binary, the number 5 is written 101.
All about Binary Numbers
Computers use binary numbers, which are made from only two digits, 0 and 1. Each digit is called a bit. Electronic circuits can easily represent two states, such as on and off, which is why binary is used.
In binary, each place value is double the one to its right. The binary number 1011 equals 11 in our normal decimal system (8 + 0 + 2 + 1). Everything on a computer, including pictures, music and text, is stored as patterns of 0s and 1s.
The places are 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and so on.
To write a number in binary, you add up the place values that are switched on. For example, 101 in binary is 4 plus 1, which makes 5.
🎮 Try it yourself!
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👀 What the animation shows
This animation shows switches that are either off (0) or on (1) to build a number. Watch how each switch stands for a place value of 1, 2, 4 or 8, and how the total of the switches that are on gives the number.
Real-life uses of Binary Numbers
- Storing letters and numbers as codes in computers
- Creating digital images and music files
- Sending data across the internet
Frequently asked questions about Binary Numbers
How do you count in binary?
Starting from zero: 0, 1, 10, 11, 100, 101 and so on, where each place is double the one to its right.
What is a byte?
A group of eight bits, which can represent 256 different values.
Why do computers use binary instead of decimal?
Electronic circuits can reliably tell apart two states, such as high and low voltage, which makes binary simple and dependable.