How to Use BCD Converter

The BCD Converter converts between BCD (Binary-Coded Decimal), decimal, octal, and hexadecimal. BCD encodes each decimal digit 0–9 as a 4-bit nibble, commonly used in finance and embedded systems.

What is BCD?

BCD (Binary-Coded Decimal) represents each decimal digit with four bits. For example, 12 becomes 0001 0010. The tool supports conversion between BCD and decimal, octal, and hex in both directions.

Key Features

• Decimal, octal, and hex to BCD and back.
• Input BCD as 4-bit groups (with or without spaces).
• Client-side only; no data sent to a server.

How to Use

1. Open the BCD Converter tool.
2. Choose the conversion type (e.g. Decimal → BCD or BCD → Hex).
3. Enter the value (decimal digits, octal, hex, or BCD nibbles).
4. Read and copy the result.

Use Cases

• Finance — Work with BCD-encoded amounts in legacy systems.
• Embedded — Decode or encode BCD from hardware or datasheets.
• Teaching — Explain BCD and its relation to decimal and hex.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BCD?

BCD (Binary-Coded Decimal) encodes each decimal digit 0-9 as a 4-bit binary nibble. For example, 12 is 0001 0010.

What input format does BCD use?

Enter BCD as 4-bit groups (e.g. 0001 0010 or 00010010). Other formats use standard decimal, octal, or hex digits.

Are there limitations?

Each BCD nibble must represent 0-9 only. Invalid nibbles (1010-1111) are rejected. Large values are supported.

Is conversion done locally?

Yes. All conversion runs in your browser; no data is sent to a server.

When is BCD used?

BCD is used in financial systems, calculators, and embedded systems where decimal accuracy matters.

Why does BCD to decimal fail?

Ensure BCD is entered as groups of 4 bits (0s and 1s only). Remove any non-binary characters.

Conclusion

Use the BCD Converter for quick BCD ↔ decimal, octal, and hex conversions. Related tools: Number Base Converter, Gray Code Converter.