Octal to Hexadecimal
To convert an octal number into hexadecimal, it is often easiest to go through binary first. Octal and binary fit together neatly because each octal digit represents exactly 3 binary bits, and each hexadecimal digit represents exactly 4 binary bits.
Method
- Convert each octal digit to 3 binary bits.
For example, use the standard values: 0 = 000, 1 = 001, 2 = 010, up to 7 = 111.
- Join all the binary groups together.
Do not change the order of the digits.
- Group the binary number into blocks of 4 from the right.
Add leading zeros on the left if needed so every group has 4 bits.
- Convert each 4-bit block to a hexadecimal digit.
Use the usual hexadecimal symbols 0–9 and A–F.
- Write the hexadecimal answer.
Check your work
- Reconvert your hexadecimal result back to binary, then to octal if needed. It should match the original number.
- Make sure you did not drop leading groups or reorder digits.
Example pattern
If an octal digit becomes 3 binary bits, and hexadecimal needs 4-bit groups, the binary step is the bridge between the two systems. Careful grouping is the key to a correct simplified answer.