What binary format does this tool accept?

The tool accepts binary strings made of 0s and 1s. Bytes can be space-separated (01001000 01101001) or written as a continuous stream (0100100001101001). Non-binary characters are flagged as errors.

How does binary-to-text decoding work?

Each group of 8 bits (one byte) is converted to its decimal value, then mapped to the corresponding ASCII or Unicode character. For example, 01001000 = 72 = "H".

Can it decode non-ASCII characters?

Yes. If the binary represents valid UTF-8 byte sequences, the tool will decode them correctly to Unicode characters.

What if my binary string is not a multiple of 8 bits?

The tool removes the spaces first and, if the bit count is not a multiple of 8, adds zeros to the front of the whole string. That fixes one short first byte, but 7-bit groups such as 1001000 1101001 decode wrongly ($i instead of Hi). Write every byte as 8 bits by adding a leading 0 to 7-bit codes.

What is the difference between the output formats?

Text shows the character representation. Decimal shows the numeric value of each byte (0-255). Hex shows each byte as two hexadecimal digits. Octal shows each byte in base-8 notation.

How do I convert binary to text by hand?

Split the bits into groups of 8 and add up the place values (128, 64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2, 1) of each 1. 01001000 = 64 + 8 = 72. Then look the number up in an ASCII table: 72 is H.

Why do I get strange symbols instead of text?

Either the bytes are not text, or the bits are out of line. One missing or extra bit shifts every byte after it, so check that each group has exactly 8 digits.

Binary Decoder

Paste a binary string (0s and 1s) and instantly convert it to text, decimal, hex, or octal.

Paste binary as 8-bit groups and it decodes to text: 01001000 01101001 is Hi.

Binary Input

Output Format

Decoded Output

Enter binary above and click Decode

Quick Examples

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Quick answer

Paste binary as 8-bit groups and it decodes to text: 01001000 01101001 is Hi. Each byte is one character (01001000 = 72 = H), and multi-byte UTF-8 such as 11000011 10101001 (é) works too. Switch the output to decimal, hex or octal to see the byte values.

Examples

Binary	Text	Decimal
01001000 01101001	Hi	72 105
01001000 01100101 01101100 01101100 01101111	Hello	72 101 108 108 111
00110001 00110010 00110011	123	49 50 51
11000011 10101001	é	195 169

Paste binary to decode it.

Summary

Paste a binary string (0s and 1s) and instantly convert it to text, decimal, hex, or octal.

How it works

Paste or type a binary string (e.g. 01001000 01101001) into the input field.
Choose your desired output format: Text, Decimal, Hexadecimal, or Octal.
The decoded result appears instantly in the output panel.
Use the Copy button to copy the result to your clipboard.

Use cases

Decode binary-encoded messages or data payloads.
Convert binary output from microcontrollers or embedded systems.
Understand binary representations used in computer science courses.
Debug binary data streams in network protocols.
Verify binary encoding tools by round-tripping data.
Translate binary puzzles or encoding challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-05-23 · Reviewed by Nham Vu