BrightChamps Logo
Login

Summarize this article:

Live Math Learners Count Icon113 Learners

Last updated on August 17, 2025

147 in Binary

Professor Greenline Explaining Math Concepts

147 in binary is written as 10010011 because the binary system uses only two digits, 0 and 1, to represent numbers. This number system is widely used in computer systems. In this topic, we are going to learn about the binary representation of 147.

147 in Binary for US Students
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

147 in Binary Conversion

The process of converting 147 from decimal to binary involves dividing the number 147 by 2. Here, it is divided by 2 because the binary number system uses only 2 digits (0 and 1). The quotient becomes the dividend in the next step, and the process continues until the quotient becomes 0. \

This is a commonly used method to convert 147 to binary. In the last step, the remainder is noted down bottom side up, and that becomes the converted binary value.

 

For example, the remainders noted down after dividing 147 by 2 until getting 0 as the quotient is 10010011. Remember, the remainders here have been written upside down.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

147 in Binary Chart

In the table shown below, the first column shows the binary digits (1 and 0) as 10010011.

The second column represents the place values of each digit, and the third column is the value calculation, where the binary digits are multiplied by their corresponding place values.

The results of the third column can be added to cross-check if 10010011 in binary is indeed 147 in the decimal number system.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

How to Write 147 in Binary

147 can be converted easily from decimal to binary. The methods mentioned below will help us convert the number. Let’s see how it is done.

 

Expansion Method: Let us see the step-by-step process of converting 147 using the expansion method.

 

Step 1 - Figure out the place values: In the binary system, each place value is a power of 2. Therefore, in the first step, we will ascertain the powers of 2. 2^0 = 1 2^1 = 2 2^2 = 4 2^3 = 8 2^4 = 16 2^5 = 32 2^6 = 64 2^7 = 128 2^8 = 256 Since 256 is greater than 147, we stop at 2^7 = 128.

Step 2 - Identify the largest power of 2: In the previous step, we stopped at 2^7 = 128. This is because, in this step, we have to identify the largest power of 2, which is less than or equal to the given number, 147. Since 2^7 is the number we are looking for, write 1 in the 2^7 place. Now the value of 2^7, which is 128, is subtracted from 147. 147 - 128 = 19.

Step 3 - Identify the next largest power of 2: In this step, we need to find the largest power of 2 that fits into the result of the previous step, 19. So, the next largest power of 2 is 2^4, which is less than or equal to 19. Now, we have to write 1 in the 2^4 place. And then subtract 16 from 19. 19 - 16 = 3.

Step 4 - Identify the next largest power of 2: For 3, the largest power of 2 is 2^1. Now, we have to write 1 in the 2^1 place. And then subtract 2 from 3. 3 - 2 = 1.

Step 5 - Identify the next largest power of 2: For 1, the largest power of 2 is 2^0. Now, we have to write 1 in the 2^0 place. And then subtract 1 from 1. 1 - 1 = 0. We need to stop the process here since the remainder is 0.

Step 6 - Identify the unused place values: In steps 2, 3, 4, and 5, we wrote 1 in the 2^7, 2^4, 2^1, and 2^0 places. Now, we can just write 0s in the remaining places, which are 2^6, 2^5, 2^3, and 2^2. Now, by substituting the values, we get, 1 in the 2^7 place 0 in the 2^6 place 0 in the 2^5 place 1 in the 2^4 place 0 in the 2^3 place 0 in the 2^2 place 1 in the 2^1 place 1 in the 2^0 place

Step 7 - Write the values in reverse order: We now write the numbers upside down to represent 147 in binary. Therefore, 10010011 is 147 in binary.

 

Grouping Method: In this method, we divide the number 147 by 2. Let us see the step-by-step conversion.

 

Step 1 - Divide the given number 147 by 2. 147 / 2 = 73. Here, 73 is the quotient and 1 is the remainder.

Step 2 - Divide the previous quotient (73) by 2. 73 / 2 = 36. Here, the quotient is 36 and the remainder is 1.

Step 3 - Repeat the previous step. 36 / 2 = 18. Now, the quotient is 18, and 0 is the remainder.

Step 4 - Repeat the previous step. 18 / 2 = 9. Here, the remainder is 0.

Step 5 - Repeat the previous step. 9 / 2 = 4. Here, the remainder is 1.

Step 6 - Repeat the previous step. 4 / 2 = 2. Here, the remainder is 0.

Step 7 - Repeat the previous step. 2 / 2 = 1. Here, the remainder is 0.

Step 8 - Repeat the previous step. 1 / 2 = 0. Here, the remainder is 1. And we stop the division here because the quotient is 0.

Step 9 - Write down the remainders from bottom to top. Therefore, 147 (decimal) = 10010011 (binary).

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Rules for Binary Conversion of 147

There are certain rules to follow when converting any number to binary. Some of them are mentioned below:

 

Rule 1: Place Value Method

This is one of the most commonly used rules to convert any number to binary. The place value method is the same as the expansion method, where we need to find the largest power of 2. Let’s see a brief step-by-step explanation to understand the first rule. Find the largest power of 2 less than or equal to 147. Since the answer is 27, write 1 next to this power of 2. Subtract the value (128) from 147. So, 147 - 128 = 19. Find the largest power of 2 less than or equal to 19. The answer is 24. So, write 1 next to this power. Now, 19 - 16 = 3. Find the largest power of 2 less than or equal to 3. The answer is 21. So, write 1 next to this power. Now, 3 - 2 = 1. Find the largest power of 2 less than or equal to 1. The answer is 20. So, write 1 next to this power. Now, 1 - 1 = 0. Since there is no remainder, we can write 0 next to the remaining powers (26, 25, 23, and 22). Final conversion will be 10010011.

 

Rule 2: Division by 2 Method

The division by 2 method is the same as the grouping method. A brief step-by-step explanation is given below for better understanding. First, 147 is divided by 2 to get 73 as the quotient and 1 as the remainder. Now, 73 is divided by 2. Here, we will get 36 as the quotient and 1 as the remainder. Dividing 36 by 2, we get 18 as the quotient and 0 as the remainder. Dividing 18 by 2, we get 9 as the quotient and 0 as the remainder. Dividing 9 by 2, we get 4 as the quotient and 1 as the remainder. Dividing 4 by 2, we get 2 as the quotient and 0 as the remainder. Dividing 2 by 2, we get 1 as the quotient and 0 as the remainder. Divide 1 by 2 to get 1 as the remainder and 0 as the quotient. We stop the division once the quotient becomes 0. Now, we write the remainders upside down to get the binary equivalent of 147, 10010011.

 

Rule 3: Representation Method

This rule also involves breaking of the number into powers of 2. Identify the powers of 2 and write it down in decreasing order, i.e., 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, and 20. Find the largest power that fits into 147. Repeat the process and allocate 1s and 0s to the suitable powers of 2. Combine the digits (0 and 1) to get the binary result.

 

Rule 4: Limitation Rule

The limitation of the binary system is that only 0s and 1s can be used to represent numbers. The system doesn’t use any other digits other than 0 and 1. This is a base 2 number system, where the binary places represent powers of 2. So, every digit is either a 0 or a 1. To convert 147, we use 0s for 26, 25, 23, and 22, and 1s for 27, 24, 21, and 20.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Tips and Tricks for Binary Numbers till 147

Learning a few tips and tricks is a great way to solve any mathematical problems easily. Let us take a look at some tips and tricks for binary numbers up to 147.

Memorize to speed up conversions: We can memorize the binary forms for numbers 1 to 147.

Recognize the patterns: There is a peculiar pattern when converting numbers from decimal to binary. 1 → 1 1 + 1 = 2 → 10 2 + 2 = 4 → 100 4 + 4 = 8 → 1000 8 + 8 = 16 → 10000 …and so on. This is also called the double and add rule.

Even and odd rule: Whenever a number is even, its binary form will end in 0. For example, 146 is even and its binary form is 10010010. Here, the binary of 146 ends in 0. If the number is odd, then its binary equivalent will end in 1. For example, the binary of 147 (an odd number) is 10010011. As you can see, the last digit here is 1.

Cross-verify the answers: Once the conversion is done, we can cross-verify the answers by converting the number back to the decimal form. This will eliminate any unforeseen errors in conversion.

Practice by using tables: Writing the decimal numbers and their binary equivalents on a table will help us remember the conversions.

Max Pointing Out Common Math Mistakes

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in 147 in Binary

Here, let us take a look at some of the most commonly made mistakes while converting numbers to binary.

Mistake 1

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Writing the Remainders From Top to Bottom

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Always remember to read and write the remainders from bottom to top. After converting a number to binary using any of the methods mentioned above, it is important to read the remainders upside down to get the correct value.

Mistake 2

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Misplacing 1s and 0s

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Since the binary system uses only 1s and 0s, we have to be careful while representing any number in its binary form.

 

For example, 147 can be mistakenly written as 10011001 instead of 10010011.

Mistake 3

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Not Practicing Enough

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Converting numbers from decimal to binary on a regular basis will help boost our confidence and minimize mistakes. Practice daily to become an expert in converting numbers to binary.

Mistake 4

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Adding Instead of Dividing

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

When using the grouping method, students may incorrectly add 147 and 2 instead of dividing 147 by 2. Always remember that division is used in the process to convert numbers to binary.

Mistake 5

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Stopping the Division Too Early

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

It is important to continue the division process until the quotient becomes 0. Failing to do so will result in errors in the final calculation.

arrow-right
Max from BrightChamps Saying "Hey"
Hey!

147 in Binary Examples

Ray, the Character from BrightChamps Explaining Math Concepts
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 1

Convert 147 from decimal to binary using the place value method.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

10010011

Explanation

27 is the largest power of 2, which is less than or equal to 147.

So place 1 next to 27.

Subtracting 128 from 147, we get 19.

So, the next largest power would be 24.

So place another 1 next to 24.

Now, subtracting 16 from 19, we get 3.

The next largest power is 21, so place 1 next to 21.

Now, subtracting 2 from 3, we get 1.

The largest power for 1 is 20, so place 1 next to 20.

Now, we just place 0s in the remaining powers of 2, which are 26, 25, 23, and 22.

By using this method, we can find the binary form of 147.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 2

Convert 147 from decimal to binary using the division by 2 method.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

10010011

Explanation

Divide 147 by 2.

In the next step, the quotient becomes the new dividend.

Continue the process until the quotient becomes 0.

Now, write the remainders upside down to get the final result.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 3

Convert 147 to binary using the representation method.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

10010011

Explanation

Break the number 147 into powers of 2 and find the largest powers of 2.

We get 27. So 1 is placed next to 27.

Next, 147 - 128 = 19.

Now, the largest power of 2 is 24.

Once again, 1 is placed next to 24.

Now, 19 - 16 = 3.

The next largest power is 21, so place 1 next to 21.

Now, subtracting 2 from 3, we get 1.

The largest power for 1 is 20, so place 1 next to 20.

After getting 0, fill in with zeros for unused powers of 2.

By following this method, we get the binary value of 147 as 10010011.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 4

How is 147 written in decimal, octal, and binary form?

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

Decimal form - 147 Octal - 223 Binary - 10010011

Explanation

The decimal system is also called the base 10 system.

In this system, 147 is written as 147 only.

We have already seen how 147 is written as 10010011 in binary.

So, let us focus on the octal system, which is base 8.

To convert 147 to octal, we need to divide 147 by 8.

So 147 / 8 = 18 with 3 as the remainder.

In the next step, divide the quotient from the previous step (18) by 8.

So 18 / 8 = 2 with 2 as the remainder.

The division process stops here because the quotient is now 0.

Here, 3 and 2 are the remainders, and they have to be written in reverse order.

So, 223 is the octal equivalent of 147.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 5

Express 147 - 5 in binary.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

100010

Explanation

147 - 5 = 142 So, we need to write 142 in binary.

Start by dividing 142 by 2.

We get 71 as the quotient and 0 as the remainder.

Next, divide 71 by 2.

Now we get 35 as the quotient and 1 as the remainder.

Divide 35 by 2 to get 17 as the quotient and 1 as the remainder.

Continue this process until the quotient becomes 0.

Now write the remainders from bottom to top to get 10001110 (binary of 142).

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Ray Thinking Deeply About Math Problems

FAQs on 147 in Binary

1.What is 147 in binary?

10010011 is the binary form of 147.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

2.Where is binary used in the real world?

Computers use binary to store data. Without the binary system, computers wouldn’t be able to process and store information.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

3.What is the difference between binary and decimal numbers?

The binary number system uses only 1s and 0s to represent numbers. The decimal system uses digits from 0 to 9.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

4.Can we do mental conversion of decimal to binary?

Yes. Mental conversion is possible, especially for smaller numbers. Alternatively, we can also memorize the binary forms of smaller numbers.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

5.How to practice conversion regularly?

Practice converting different numbers from decimal to binary. You can also practice converting numbers from other forms, such as octal and hexadecimal, to binary.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Important Glossaries for 147 in Binary

  • Decimal: It is the base 10 number system which uses digits from 0 to 9.

 

  • Binary: This number system uses only 0 and 1. It is also called the base 2 number system.

 

  • Place value: Every digit has a value based on its position in a given number. For example, in 102 (base 10), 1 has occupied the hundreds place, 0 is in the tens place, and 2 is in the ones place.

 

  • Octal: It is the number system with a base of 8. It uses digits from 0 to 7.

 

  • Power of 2: Each binary digit position represents a power of 2, starting from 20 on the right.
Math Teacher Background Image
Math Teacher Image

Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana

About the Author

Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.

Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Fun Fact

: She loves to read number jokes and games.

INDONESIA - Axa Tower 45th floor, JL prof. Dr Satrio Kav. 18, Kel. Karet Kuningan, Kec. Setiabudi, Kota Adm. Jakarta Selatan, Prov. DKI Jakarta
INDIA - H.No. 8-2-699/1, SyNo. 346, Rd No. 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana - 500034
SINGAPORE - 60 Paya Lebar Road #05-16, Paya Lebar Square, Singapore (409051)
USA - 251, Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware 19808
VIETNAM (Office 1) - Hung Vuong Building, 670 Ba Thang Hai, ward 14, district 10, Ho Chi Minh City
VIETNAM (Office 2) - 143 Nguyễn Thị Thập, Khu đô thị Him Lam, Quận 7, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
UAE - BrightChamps, 8W building 5th Floor, DAFZ, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
UK - Ground floor, Redwood House, Brotherswood Court, Almondsbury Business Park, Bristol, BS32 4QW, United Kingdom