What is a bit shift operation?

A bit shift operation moves all bits in a binary number left or right by a specified number of positions. Left shift ( >) moves bits to the right.

When should I use left shift?

Left shift is used to multiply a number by powers of 2. For example, shifting left by 1 multiplies by 2, shifting by 2 multiplies by 4, etc.

When should I use right shift?

Right shift is used to divide a number by powers of 2. For example, shifting right by 1 divides by 2, shifting by 2 divides by 4, etc.

What happens when bits are shifted beyond the bit length?

Bits shifted beyond the bit length are lost, which can cause overflow or underflow depending on the direction of the shift.

⬅️➡️ Bit Shift Calculator

Perform left shift and right shift operations on binary numbers. Calculate bit shifts with step-by-step visualization and support for different bit lengths.

Bit Length:

Number:

Shift Direction:

Shift Amount:

Our free online Bit Shift calculator performs left and right bit shift operations on binary numbers. Calculate bit shifts with step-by-step visualization and support for different bit lengths (8, 16, 32, 64 bits).

Features

Our Bit Shift calculator offers the following features:

✓Left and right bit shift operations

✓Support for 8, 16, 32, 64 bit lengths

✓Step-by-step visualization

✓Results in binary, decimal, and hexadecimal formats

✓Easy to use interface

How to Use

Follow these steps to use the Bit Shift calculator:

1. Enter Number

Enter the number you want to shift in the input field.

2. Enter Shift Amount

Enter the number of positions to shift (e.g., 2 for 2 positions).

3. Select Shift Direction

Choose left shift (<<) or right shift (>>).

4. Select Bit Length

Choose the bit length (8, 16, 32, or 64 bits).

5. Calculate

Click the Calculate button to perform the bit shift operation.

Tips

Here are some tips for using the Bit Shift calculator:

1.Left shift multiplies the number by 2 for each position shifted

2.Right shift divides the number by 2 for each position shifted

3.Shifting beyond bit length will result in overflow

4.Bit shifts are commonly used in programming for fast multiplication/division by powers of 2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the Bit Shift calculator:

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Last updated: 2025-10-21 — Compiled and reviewed by Calvin (Math Research, FreeCalculators.app)