What number system does hexadecimal use?

Hexadecimal is a number system that uses a base of 16. This means it employs sixteen distinct digits to represent values: the numbers 0 through 9, which represent values zero to nine, and the letters A through F, which represent the values ten to fifteen, respectively. As a base-16 system, hexadecimal is particularly useful in computing and digital electronics because it allows for a more compact representation of binary numbers, making it easier for humans to read and understand.

For example, a single hexadecimal digit can represent four binary digits (bits), which simplifies the process of converting between binary and hexadecimal when dealing with machine code or color representations in programming. In contrast, the other number systems mentioned—base-8 (octal), base-10 (decimal), and base-2 (binary)—each have their own specific digit limits and applications, but they do not encapsulate the numeric representation that hexadecimal provides. Therefore, hexadecimal's designation as a base-16 system is foundational to understanding its function and importance in computing.