How computers store text in binary
Computers store everything as bits, which are 0s and 1s. To store text, each character is given a number, and that number is written in binary. The letter "H" is number 72, which in 8-bit binary is 01001000. This converter shows the binary for any text and turns binary back into text, which is useful for computer science homework, puzzles, and understanding how data is stored.
How to use it
- To convert text, type it and click Text → Binary.
- To read binary, paste the 0s and 1s and click Binary → Text. Spaces and line breaks between bytes are ignored.
- Choose a separator for the output: space between bytes is the easiest to read.
Worked example: "Hi"
| Character | Decimal code | Binary (8 bits) |
|---|---|---|
| H | 72 | 01001000 |
| i | 105 | 01101001 |
To convert a number to binary, find which powers of 2 add up to it. 72 = 64 + 8, so the bits for 64 (26) and 8 (23) are 1 and the rest are 0: 01001000.
ASCII and UTF-8
English letters, digits and common symbols use ASCII codes 0 to 127, so each one fits in a single byte. Other characters, such as "₹", "é" or the Devanagari "न", are stored using UTF-8, where one character takes 2 to 4 bytes. That is why "नमस्ते" produces many more bits than its six visible letters. This tool uses UTF-8 so every language and emoji converts correctly.
Frequently asked questions
Why must binary be in groups of 8?
Each byte has 8 bits. If a digit is missing or extra, the bytes no longer line up and the text cannot be decoded.
Can I convert numbers to binary?
Yes. To convert a number like 255 into base 2, 8 or 16, use the Number Base Converter. This page converts text characters.
What is the binary for a space?
A space is ASCII 32, which is 00100000.