← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

Converting binary to hexadecimal using nibbles

Split the bits into groups of four from the right (nibbles), pad the left group with zeros if needed, then replace each nibble with its hex digit.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 1.1 Number Systems — Module 17

Understanding Converting binary to hexadecimal using nibbles in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

What it does: Four nibbles of 1010, 1111, 0000 and 0011 become A, F, 0 and 3, giving 4 hex digits. The nibble value 15 is written as F in hex, so 1111 becomes F. A nibble is 4 bits, and you always start grouping from the right (the least significant end). Each nibble then becomes one hex digit. 1100 = 12 = C and 0011 = 3. The left nibble gives the left hex digit, so the answer is C3. Leading zeros on the left do not change the value. Adding zeros on the right would change the number. The snippet shows the nibble-by-nibble replacement, and an 8-bit value always gives two hex digits.

Common mistakes: Bits must be split into groups of four from the right. 11010110 becomes 1101 0110, not 110 10110. 1111 is 15 in denary, which is F in hex. E is 14. It should be 1111 = 15 = F.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

🖨 Print worksheet + answer key Add Converting binary to hexadecimal using nibbles to a class →

This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 3–17) and word search (Modules 3–27).

Take this worksheet further — free with Cloodit

Each concept is reinforced from every angle — learned, then applied, then tested.

Learning
Duo
How do you split a binary number into nibbles before converting it to hex?
Groups of four bits, starting from the rightGroups of three bits, starting from the left
Matches
10110110 → 101 10110 → 5 16
↓
The bits were split into groups from the left, not from the right, and the groups are not 4 bits long.
Applying
Meanings
Term
binary to hex
Meaning
Split the bits into groups of four from the right (nibbles), pad the left group with zeros if needed, then replace each nibble with its hex digit.
Practice
Binary: 1011010
Testing
Gaps
1010 0011 in hex is 3
Check Answer
Spots
1Binary: 11010110
2Nibbles: 110 10110

Cloodit turns curriculum-aligned coding content into journeys students work through one biome at a time.

The 'Constellation Wolf' badge — Space Legend, one of Cloodit's 106 collectible badges
Students earn collectable badges

Over 100 of them, across seven natural biomes.

Study Buddy
Students build a real study resource

Turns their work into revision material ready for Flash Cards and Exam study.

Diamond Dash — one of Cloodit's live, competitive Sprint games
Students lock in with Sprints

Live, competitive practice for the start of the lesson or a teacher-led lesson finisher.

A Cloodit certificate of achievement, ready to personalise and print
Custom printable certificates

Honour your top performers, or encourage a student who's trying hard — ready to print in seconds.

Add to class →

Quick Questions

1. How do you split a binary number into nibbles before converting it to hex?
A. Groups of four bits, starting from the right ✓
B. Groups of three bits, starting from the left
A nibble is 4 bits, and you always start grouping from the right (the least significant end). Each nibble then becomes one hex digit.
2. Which is the hex value of 1010 1111?
A. AF ✓
B. FA
The left nibble 1010 = 10 = A and the right nibble 1111 = 15 = F. Keep the digits in the same order as the nibbles: AF.
3. Convert 11010 to hex. Which is correct?
A. D0 (group as 1101 0)
B. 1A (pad to 0001 1010) ✓
Group from the right: 1010 and 1. Pad the left group with zeros to get 0001, so the answer is 1A. Grouping from the left gives the wrong value.
4. How many hex digits does an 8-bit binary number give?
A. 4 hex digits
B. 2 hex digits ✓
8 bits make two nibbles, and each nibble is one hex digit, so you get 2 hex digits.
5. How many hex digits does a 16-bit binary number give?
A. 4 hex digits ✓
B. 2 hex digits
16 bits make four nibbles, and each nibble becomes one hex digit, so you get 4 hex digits.

Match the Pairs

1011 0110 → B6 → Each 4-bit nibble becomes one hex digit: 1011 is B and 0110 is 6, so an 8-bit number gives 2 hex digits.
11010 → 0001 1010 → Group from the right, then pad the left group with leading zeros so it has 4 bits.
A 16-bit binary number is split into four nibbles, so it gives 4 hex digits. → 1010 1111 0000 0011 → AF03
Nibble 1111 is worth 8 + 4 + 2 + 1 = 15, which is the hex digit F. → 1111 → F
10110110 → 101 10110 → 5 16 → The bits were split into groups from the left, not from the right, and the groups are not 4 bits long.
1101 0011 → 13 3 → The nibble 1101 was converted to the denary number 13 rather than the single hex digit D.

Key Term

binary to hex
Split the bits into groups of four from the right (nibbles), pad the left group with zeros if needed, then replace each nibble with its hex digit.

Fill in the Blanks

1. 1010 0011 in hex is A3
Hint: Type the hex letter that matches the first nibble.
2. 101101 padded to 8 bits = 00101101
Hint: Type the leading zeros added to the left group to fill the byte.
3. 8-bit binary gives 2 hex digits
Hint: Type how many nibbles, and so hex digits, are in one byte.
4. 1111 0000 1010 0001 = F0A1
Hint: Type the hex digit for the third nibble.
5. Split the bits into groups of 4 from the right
Hint: Type the number of bits in one nibble.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A Binary: 11010110
B Nibbles: 110 10110
C 1101 = 13 = D, 0110 = 6
D Hex: D6
Line B — Bits must be split into groups of four from the right. 11010110 becomes 1101 0110, not 110 10110.
Question 2
A Binary: 00101111
B Nibbles: 0010 1111
C 0010 = 2
D 1111 = 15 = E
E Hex: 2F
Line D — 1111 is 15 in denary, which is F in hex. E is 14. It should be 1111 = 15 = F.
Question 3
A Binary: 101101
B Pad: 10110100
C Nibbles: 0010 1101
D Hex: 2D
Line B — Padding zeros go on the left of the number so its value does not change. It should be 00101101.
Question 4
A Binary: 10101010
B Nibbles: 1010 1010
C Hex digits: 4
D 1010 = 10 = A
E Hex: AA
Line C — An 8-bit number has two nibbles, so it gives 2 hex digits, not 4.
Question 5
A Binary: 0001001010111100
B Nibbles: 0001 0010 1011 1100
C 16 bits = 4 hex digits
D 0001=1 0010=2 1011=A 1100=C
E Hex: 12BC
Line D — 1011 is 11 in denary, which is B in hex. A is 10. It should be 1011=B.

Student with a class code? Join your class →