What is the base of the Hexadecimal Numbering System?

• A. Base 10
• B. Base 16
• C. Base 8
• D. Base 2

Answer: (B)

Hexadecimal is a base-16 numeral system, which means each digit represents a value times a power of 16 and there are sixteen distinct symbols used. We use the digits 0 through 9 for values 0–9, and the letters A through F for values 10–15. This combination lets each hex digit stand for a specific 4-bit binary pattern, making it very convenient in computing since two hex digits map neatly to one byte. Because the base is 16, place values jump by powers of 16 (16^0, 16^1, 16^2, etc.). The other options correspond to different bases: base 10 uses ten digits 0–9, base 8 uses eight digits 0–7, and base 2 uses two digits 0 and 1.