Hexadecimal is based on which numerical base?

Hexadecimal is a numeral system that operates on base 16. This means it utilizes sixteen distinct symbols to represent values. The symbols in hexadecimal include the numbers 0 through 9 and the letters A through F, where A represents the decimal value 10, B represents 11, C represents 12, D represents 13, E represents 14, and F represents 15.

By using a base of 16, hexadecimal is particularly useful in computing because it can compactly represent binary values. For example, two hexadecimal digits can represent a full byte (eight bits) of data, making it easier to read and write large binary numbers. Additionally, translating between hexadecimal and binary is straightforward, as each hexadecimal digit corresponds directly to a group of four binary digits (bits).

Understanding hexadecimal as base 16 is essential, especially in programming and systems design, where hexadecimal notation is frequently used to represent memory addresses, color codes in graphics, and more.