Hexadecimal to decimal conversion — What is the decimal (base-10) value of the hexadecimal number 777 (base 16)?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 1911

Explanation:


Introduction:
Converting between hexadecimal and decimal is a routine task in digital electronics, debugging, and low-level programming. Understanding positional weights (powers of 16) allows quick mental or written conversion for any hex string, including repeating digits like 777.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Hex number: 777 (base 16).
  • Digit values: 7 in hex equals 7 in decimal.
  • Weights: 16^0, 16^1, 16^2 for the three positions.


Concept / Approach:

Use positional expansion: value = d2 * 16^2 + d1 * 16^1 + d0 * 16^0. Each “7” contributes 7 times its place weight. Sum the contributions to obtain the decimal result.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Compute 16^2 = 256 and 16^1 = 16; 16^0 = 1.Multiply: 7 * 256 = 1792; 7 * 16 = 112; 7 * 1 = 7.Add: 1792 + 112 + 7 = 1911.Therefore, hex 777 equals decimal 1911.


Verification / Alternative check:

As a quick check, note that 0x3FF (1023) is 10 bits set; 0x777 is smaller but in the same ballpark. Exact arithmetic confirms 1911.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 191 / 19 / 19111: Incorrect sums or extra digits.
  • 777: Merely restates the hex string, not a base-10 value.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Treating hex digits as decimal weights (base-10) instead of base-16 powers.
  • Forgetting that A–F represent 10–15 in hex for other problems.


Final Answer:

1911

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