How to Decode Binary Numbers

Last Updated: August 25, 2022

Binary is the language of computers. They allow computers to do all of the complex things that they do. You might think that since binary numbers allow for such complex operations that they would be equally complex to decode, but thankfully this is not the case. This wikiHow will show you how to decode binary numbers into alphabetical or numerical characters.

Steps

1
Remember that in binary 1 is "on: and 0 is "off."
2
Choose the binary number that you want to decode.

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3
Give each number a value, starting from the extreme right.
- For example, using the number 1001001, 1=1, +0=2, +0=4, +1=8, +0=16, +0=32, +1=64.
- The number becomes: 32+16+8+4+2+1.
4
Cut off all values that are of 0 and add values of 1.
- 0 values = 2,4,16,32 --> 1 values = 1+8+64=73
5
Change the answer from its numerical form of the character to its alphabetical form by using an alphabet-number-punctuation chart. ^{[1]
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6
Divide each of your numbers into groups of 8, and then convert them to numerical form.
- For example, 111111110000000011111111=11111111+00000000+11111111

Community Q&A

Question

How can I decode a password?

Community Answer

Passwords are not stored in binary. Rather, they are stored in hashes or encrypted keys. The decryption of private information such as a password is illegal.
Question

How can I start decoding as a 12-year-old?

Community Answer

Lots of practice! That's the best thing, but you could also read books, websites, or articles about decoding numbers. That will help you pick it up even quicker.
Question

How can I decode a password?

Community Answer

Decoding a password would be considering hacking. If you are a child you're unlikely to go to juvenile prison, but if you're an adult I wouldn't even dream of doing it.