binary coded decimal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialist Technical)Technical, Formal
Quick answer
What does “binary coded decimal” mean?
A system for encoding decimal numbers (0-9) using four binary digits per decimal digit, rather than converting the whole number to pure binary.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A system for encoding decimal numbers (0-9) using four binary digits per decimal digit, rather than converting the whole number to pure binary.
A digital representation of decimal numbers where each digit is encoded separately in binary, commonly used in electronic systems where decimal readability and accuracy are prioritized over storage efficiency.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. The term is identical in both variants.
Connotations
Purely technical with no regional connotative variation.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both regions, used primarily in computing, electronics, and engineering contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “binary coded decimal” in a Sentence
The [device] uses binary coded decimal for [purpose].Data is stored in binary coded decimal format.Convert the number to binary coded decimal.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “binary coded decimal” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The system uses a binary-coded-decimal representation for the counter values.
American English
- We need a binary-coded-decimal output from this converter module.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in technical specifications for financial hardware (e.g., cash registers, calculating machines).
Academic
Used in computer science, computer engineering, and digital electronics textbooks and papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core usage context. Found in datasheets, programming manuals (especially for low-level languages), and digital circuit design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “binary coded decimal”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “binary coded decimal”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “binary coded decimal”
- Using 'binary coded decimal' as an adjective without a noun (e.g., 'It's binary coded decimal.'). Correct: 'It's in binary coded decimal format.'
- Pronouncing it as one rushed, mashed-up word instead of clearly articulating the three-word compound noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Hexadecimal is a base-16 number system. BCD uses binary codes (0000-1001) to represent decimal digits 0-9. The bit patterns for 10-15 are invalid in standard BCD.
In systems where decimal accuracy is critical and conversions must be avoided, such as in financial computations, digital clocks, and electronic meters. It's also prevalent in legacy systems.
Packed BCD places two decimal digits (each 4 bits) into a single 8-bit byte. This is more storage-efficient than 'unpacked BCD', which uses a full byte for each digit.
Yes, but it requires specific conventions. The integer part digits and the fractional part digits would each be encoded in 4-bit groups. A separate code or bit is often used for the decimal point.
A system for encoding decimal numbers (0-9) using four binary digits per decimal digit, rather than converting the whole number to pure binary.
Binary coded decimal is usually technical, formal in register.
Binary coded decimal: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪ.nə.ri ˌkəʊ.dɪd ˈdes.ɪ.məl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪ.nə.ri ˌkoʊ.dɪd ˈdes.ə.məl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of representing a PIN code like 1234. BCD doesn't make the whole 1234 into a big binary number. Instead, it takes each digit (1, 2, 3, 4) and gives each its own small, 4-bit binary costume.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENCODING IS PACKAGING (Each decimal digit is individually packaged/wrapped in a standard 4-bit binary box).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary advantage of binary coded decimal (BCD) over pure binary representation?