Skip to content
ConvertCalculate

Octal to Decimal

Convert octal numbers to decimal format accurately to understand numeric values, perform calculations, and apply them in programming or technical work without mistakes.

  • Free
  • Instant results
  • Runs in your browser
In short

To convert octal to decimal, multiply each octal digit by 8 raised to its position (starting at 0 on the right) and add the results. For example, 55 = 5×8^1 + 5×8^0 = 45.

How it works

Octal counts in base 8, decimal counts in base 10. Converting means rewriting the same quantity with a different set of digits — the value never changes, only how it is written.

  1. Number the digits from the right, starting at 0.
  2. Multiply each digit by 8 raised to the power of its position.
  3. Add the results — that total is the decimal value.

The reverse conversion is Decimal to Octal, which also handles every other base pair.

Examples

Worked examples, digit by digit:

  • 12 (octal) = 1×81 + 2×80 = 10 (decimal)
  • 25 (octal) = 2×81 + 5×80 = 21 (decimal)
  • 377 (octal) = 3×82 + 7×81 + 7×80 = 255 (decimal)
Common values in every base
DecimalBinaryOctalHexadecimal
0000
1111
21022
410044
81000108
10101012A
15111117F
16100002010
321000004020
64100000010040
100110010014464
25511111111377FF

Octal to Decimal: frequently asked questions

How do I convert octal to decimal?
Multiply each octal digit by 8 raised to its position (starting at 0 on the right) and add the results. For example, 55 = 5×8^1 + 5×8^0 = 45. The converter above does this instantly for any value.
What is 377 in decimal?
Octal 377 equals 255 in decimal (the value 255, the largest number that fits in one byte).
Why are octal and decimal used?
Octal (base 8) is a compact way to write groups of three bits and is still used for Unix file permissions such as 755. Decimal (base 10) is the everyday number system.