Binary Translator
Convert text to binary code and binary to text instantly. Encode secret messages, decode binary data, or learn how computers represent text using 1s and 0s.
Common ASCII to Binary Reference
How Binary Code Works
Binary is a base-2 number system that uses only two digits: 0 and 1. Computers use binary because electronic circuits can easily represent two states: on (1) and off (0).
Text Encoding (ASCII)
Each character is assigned a number in the ASCII standard. For example, 'A' is 65, 'a' is 97. These numbers are then converted to 8-bit binary (a byte). The letter 'A' (65) becomes 01000001.
Example: "Hi" in Binary
H → ASCII 72 → 01001000
i → ASCII 105 → 01101001
Result: 01001000 01101001
Binary Place Values
Each position in binary represents a power of 2, from right to left: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128. To convert binary to decimal, add the values where there's a 1.
Related Tools
- Hex Translator - Convert to/from hexadecimal
- Morse Code Translator - Dots and dashes
- Base64 Encoder - Encode binary data
Uses for Binary Translation
Learning & Education
Understand how computers store text and data. Great for students learning computer science.
Secret Messages
Encode messages in binary for fun puzzles, escape rooms, or sending "coded" messages to friends.
Programming
Debug binary data, understand encoding issues, or work with low-level data representation.
Games & Puzzles
Create or solve binary puzzles in ARGs, CTF challenges, or escape room games.
Art & Design
Create binary-themed designs, posters, or merchandise with encoded messages.
Data Analysis
Inspect and understand binary data streams or file contents at the bit level.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does binary represent text?▼
Each character is assigned a number using ASCII (or Unicode). For example, 'A' is 65. This number is then converted to binary (base-2). The number 65 in binary is 01000001. Each character uses 8 bits (1 byte).
Why are there 8 digits in each binary group?▼
Each group of 8 binary digits is called a byte. A byte can represent 256 different values (2^8 = 256), which is enough to encode all basic ASCII characters including letters, numbers, and symbols.
What if my binary doesn't decode correctly?▼
Make sure your binary is in complete 8-bit groups. Incomplete groups will be ignored. Also check that you only have 0s and 1s - any other characters (except spaces as separators) will be removed.
Can I convert emojis to binary?▼
This tool uses ASCII encoding which doesn't support emojis. Emojis require Unicode (UTF-8/UTF-16) encoding which uses more than 8 bits per character. The result may not convert correctly.
What's the difference between binary and hexadecimal?▼
Binary uses base-2 (0-1), while hexadecimal uses base-16 (0-9 and A-F). Hex is more compact - one hex digit represents 4 binary digits. "01001000" in binary is "48" in hex.
Is this how computers actually store text?▼
Yes! At the hardware level, all computer data is stored as binary (electrical on/off states). Text, images, videos - everything is ultimately 1s and 0s. This tool shows the ASCII binary representation.