Converting Decimal to Binary

Converting Decimal to Binary: The Decimal Numbering System

Decimal is a base 10 numbering Binary Numbering System

Binary is a base 2 numbering system that is made up of two numbers: 0 and 1.  0 means OFF and 1 means ON.  The computer’s central processing unit (CPU) only recognizes these two states – ON and OFF.  It is the foundation for all binary code, which is used in computer and digital systems.

Bits and Bytes

A binary digit called a bit is the smallest unit of data in a computer.  Each bit has a single value which is either 0 or 1.  8 bits (b) is equivalent to 1 byte (B) system which is made up of 10 numbers: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.  It is the most commonly used numbering system.  The reason behind that is convenience.  We have 10 fingers that we use for counting, so it is easier to count with a base 10 numbering system, thus decimal is widely used.

Computers and Binary

Binary is the main language used in computers because of the following reasons:

• It is simple.  Since there are only two possible values: 0 and 1, it is easier to store and manipulate numbers.  It is also less expensive to use binary than other numbering systems.
• It is easy to identify OFF and ON state.  The distinction is clear between the two states which makes it reliable.
• It is efficient in controlling logic circuits.  It requires the least amount of circuitry which in turn requires the least amount of cost, space and energy consumption.

Conversion from Decimal to Binary

Conversion can be done by dividing the decimal number by 2 repeatedly until the final result is 0.

For example, the decimal number 357 is converted to a binary number as follows:

Division	Result	Remainder
357 / 2	178	1
178 / 2	89	0
89 / 2	44	1
44 / 2	22	0
22 / 2	11	0
11 / 2	5	1
5 / 2	2	1
2 / 2	1	0
1 / 2	0	1

The binary number is taken from the remainder starting from the last to the first, or in the illustration above, from bottom to top, which is 101100101.

So decimal number 357 is 101100101 in a binary number.

Conversion from Binary to Decimal

Conversion can be done by plotting each binary digit value on each column corresponding to its decimal digit value.  Each column is the number 2 raised to an exponent.  The exponent increases by one from right to left.  To get the total value you add the value of those columns tagged as ON or equivalent to 1.

For example, the binary number 101100101 is converted to a decimal number as follows:

Exponent	28	27	26	25	24	23	22	21	20
Value	256	128	64	32	16	8	4	2	1
ON / OFF	1	0	1	1	0	0	1	0	1

Total value = (256+64+32+4+1) = 357.

So binary number 101100101 is 357 in decimal number.

Advantages of the Binary System

Here are some advantages of using the binary system:

• It is easy to implement.
• The logic is easy to understand.
• It is the lowest possible base and gives way to easily encode higher numbering system.

Disadvantages of the Binary System

Here are some disadvantages of using the binary system:

• Numbers are expressed longer, thus taking up more space.
• There are rounding issues since fractional values don’t follow base 2 numbering system.
• People find it difficult to read, write and manipulate binary.

Further Readings:

• Binary-coded decimal
• Binary number