Difference Between Binary and Decimal

Computers count different from us. They count with the digits 1 and 0. A computer uses the binary numeral system which is also known as base 2. And in this system, there are only two digits, 1 and 0. This system is used in all modern computers and digital devices like mobile phones.

For example, 250 is 11111010 in the binary system. Or the number 2 is represented as 10 in this system.

On the other hand, the decimal system is the oldest and the most widely used numbering system which is also known as base 10. Numbers based on 10 were commonly used in ancient cultures too. This system was derived because we could use our fingers to count. 

So, the decimal number system uses ten different digits (from 0 to 9); but the binary number system uses only two different digits (0 and 1). Decimal system is also called Hindu-Arabic or just Arabic number system. 

A bit (short for binary digit) is the smallest and basic unit of data in a computer. And it is usually represented by one of these values, 0 or 1. There are 8 bits in a byte.

A nibble (also known as tetrade or semi-octet) is equal to four bits, or half a byte in computing. 

Using our data storage unit conversion calculator, you can convert various data units (bit, byte, kilobyte, megabyte, terabyte, petabyte) in both binary and decimal system.