Illustration of signed and unsigned integers with plus and minus symbols, bit widths, and binary and hexadecimal examples.

Signed & Unsigned Numbers

Fixed-width integers

Enter a decimal value for each type independently. Binary and hexadecimal show the stored bit pattern — two’s complement for signed types.

8-bit unsigned integer

8-bit signed integer

16-bit unsigned integer

16-bit signed integer

32-bit unsigned integer

32-bit signed integer

64-bit unsigned integer

64-bit signed integer

Signed values use two’s complement. Decimal entry is limited to each type’s range.

How signed and unsigned integers differ

Same bits, different meanings

Fixed-width integers interpret bit patterns either as unsigned magnitudes or as signed two’s-complement values. This page converts decimal inputs into binary and hexadecimal for 8-, 16-, 32-, and 64-bit widths and shows how the high bit changes signed meaning.

Worked example

In 8-bit two’s complement, bits 11111111 are unsigned 255 but signed −1. Ones’ complement and two’s complement readouts on the page help compare representations used in teaching and hardware.

Common mistakes

  • Casting without noticing sign extension.
  • Comparing unsigned sizes with negative signed leftovers.
  • Assuming hex FF always means 255 in signed 8-bit contexts.

FAQs

Related bitwise ops?
Bitwise Operations uses unsigned masks.

When this page helps

Use it when you want a transparent, browser-side calculation with the assumptions spelled out — then verify anything high-stakes against primary docs, a professional, or your own measurements. The related links below point to sibling tools and longer guides when you need more context.

Accuracy notes

Results depend entirely on the numbers you enter and the simplified model described above. Device clocks, tape measurements, market rates, and recipe conventions can all differ from a perfect textbook case. If an output looks surprising, re-check units first, then re-read the formula section.

Related: Number Bases, Bits & Bytes, IEEE 754.

Last updated: July 2026