Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The binary system is a number system that uses only two digits, 0 and 1, to represent values. It is commonly used in computer science because it aligns with the on/off nature of electronic circuits.
Related terms
Decimal System: The decimal system is another number system we use daily, which consists of ten digits from 0 to 9.
Bit: A bit (short for binary digit) is the most basic unit of information in computing. It represents either a 0 or a 1.
A byte is a unit of digital information that consists of eight bits. It is often used as the fundamental building block for storing and transmitting data.