Binary Code

Computers only understand two numbers: 0 and 1. This is called binary code. Every picture, song, and game on a computer is made of 0s and 1s. Binary is the secret language that makes computers work.

How Binary Works

In binary, 0 means off and 1 means on. Think of it like a light switch. Computers use millions of tiny switches called transistors. By turning switches on and off very fast, computers do amazing things. The number 5 in binary is written as 101.

Binary and Letters

Computers use binary to store letters too. Each letter has its own binary number. The letter A is 01000001 in binary. A single 0 or 1 is called a bit. Eight bits together make a byte, which can store one letter or number.

Fun Facts

• The word 'bit' is short for 'binary digit.'
• It takes 8 bits (one byte) to store a single letter in a computer.
• A photo on your phone can contain millions of bytes of binary data.

Did You Know?

You can write your name in binary code! Each letter of the alphabet has its own 8-digit binary number. The letter B is 01000010.