What Is the Difference between Binary and Decimal?

Why does the computer have numbers such as 1010? This number is in binary form. Let us compare the binary and decimal systems to understand what distinguishes them.

Decimal is the numeric system which we commonly use in our everyday practice. It comprises ten numerals from 0 to 9. The places in this system correspond to the powers of ten, like units, tens, hundreds, etc. This is the numeric system you have learned in school.

The difference is that in binary system there are only two numerals, 0 and 1, and the places in it correspond to the powers of two, i.e., 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and so on. Computers work with binary numbers since their circuits have only two positions – on/off state.

For instance, the decimal number 10 will be 1010 in binary form. These numbers are presented in different notations; however, they express one and the same value. It is only a method of counting.

Decimal system is used by people in ordinary life while binary system is used by computers.

To conclude, decimal system is for people and binary system is for computers.