Decimal (Base 10) to Base 36 Converter
Convert decimal numbers to base 36.
255 (base 10) = 73 (base 36)
Digits in base 10: 0 to 9. Digits in base 36: 0 to 9 and A to Z.
How to convert Decimal to Base 36
Every positional number system works the same way: a digit is worth its own value times the base raised to the power of its position. In base 10 the place values, from the right, are 100 = 1, 101 = 10, 102 = 100 and so on.
To get from decimal to base 36, divide the number by 36 over and over. Every remainder is one digit of the answer, starting with the last digit, so you read the remainders from the bottom up.
The method
divide by 36, keep the remainder, repeat until the quotient is 0the answer is the remainders read from last to firstdigits in base 10: 0 to 9digits in base 36: 0 to 9 and A to Z
Worked example 1: 45 from decimal to base 36
45 ÷ 36 = 1 remainder 91 ÷ 36 = 0 remainder 1Read the remainders from the bottom up: 1945 (base 10) = 19 (base 36)
Letters stand for values from 10 up: A = 10, B = 11, C = 12 and so on. Remainders come out last digit first, which is why you read them from the bottom up.
Worked example 2: 255 from decimal to base 36
255 ÷ 36 = 7 remainder 37 ÷ 36 = 0 remainder 7Read the remainders from the bottom up: 73255 (base 10) = 73 (base 36)
Worked example 3: 1000 from decimal to base 36
1,000 ÷ 36 = 27 remainder 28 (S)27 ÷ 36 = 0 remainder 27 (R)Read the remainders from the bottom up: RS1000 (base 10) = RS (base 36)
Need the other direction? Open the Base 36 to Decimal converter.
Decimal to Base 36 examples
The decimal number 255 is written 255 in decimal and 73 in base 36.
| Decimal | Base 36 |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1 |
| 2 | 2 |
| 7 | 7 |
| 8 | 8 |
| 10 | A |
| 15 | F |
| 16 | G |
| 32 | W |
| 64 | 1S |
| 100 | 2S |
| 255 | 73 |
| 1000 | RS |
Where Decimal to Base 36 comes up
Decimal is the base 10 system everyone learns first, with the digits 0 to 9. It is the form people read: prices, measurements, ages and IDs. It is also the base we calculate in by hand, which is why the worked steps on this page pass through decimal.
Base 36 uses 0 to 9 and A to Z, the largest base you can write with digits and letters alone. Short IDs and URL slugs often use it, and JavaScript number.toString(36) and parseInt(text, 36) work in base 36.
Going to a larger base packs more value into each digit, so the result is shorter. The number 255 needs 3 digits in decimal and 2 in base 36.
Decimal to Base 36 FAQ
How do I convert decimal to base 36?
Divide the decimal number by 36, write down the remainder, and repeat with the quotient until it reaches 0. The remainders, read from last to first, are the base 36 number.
Which digits does decimal use?
Base 10 uses the digits 0 to 9. For example, A is not a valid digit in base 10.
Will the base 36 number be longer or shorter?
Shorter. Going to a larger base packs more value into each digit, so the result is shorter. Roughly 0.64 base 36 digits for every decimal digit. The number 255 needs 3 digits in decimal and 2 in base 36.
What is 255 in base 36?
255 in decimal is 73 in base 36. Both are the decimal number 255.
Can I convert negative numbers or fractions?
The converter handles whole numbers, and a leading minus sign works for negatives. Fractions use a different method, where you repeatedly multiply the fractional part by the new base, and they are not supported here.