How to Read the Binary Alphabet in 5 Minutes

The Binary Alphabet is pretty easy to learn, but first you need to know what you are looking for. Each binary letter (or number) is an 8 digit code of 0s and 1s. To make it visually easier for you to recognize I have split the 8 digit code down the middle.

0110 0001 = a (for math reference 0000 0001 = 1)

0110 0010 = b (for math reference 0000 0010 = 2)

0110 0011 = c (because 1+2 = 3, so a+b = c)

0110 0100 = d (for math reference 0000 0100 = 4)

0110 0101 = e

See the pattern? Each letter in the alphabet starts with 011 and the 0s and 1s that follow indicate the number of the letter in the alphabet based upon math. When you reach 0111 0000 then it is a p or higher letter which means that when you see the first 0110 or 01111 it indicates whether it is at the beginning or the end of the alphabet. Otherwise you might confuse your Js with your Zs, so to speak.

The numbers in binary are coded in a similar way, starting with 0000 0000 for 0, 0000 0001 for 1, etc.

That's it. Binary isn't complicated. It just requires a little bit of math. A 5 year old can learn binary because it is really that easy. Someone who learns how to read binary can get so good at it that they just look at the numbers of 0s and 1s and instantly recognize the numbers, letters or symbols.

If you want to stretch your nerd muscles you can people's questions with:

0110 1110 0110 1111 or 0111 1001 0110 0101 0111 0011

Of course, doing so... Some people will think you're insane. Or a huge dork. Or be really impressed.

Binary isn't just for computer dorks either.

Binary technically predates the invention of computers. The modern binary number system, the basis for binary code, was invented by German polymath Gottfried Leibniz in 1689.

What is a polymath?

A polymath is a person who has studied many different subjects and has an extensive knowledge of many subjects. Basically a polymath is another term for someone who is very nerdy. Similar to a polyglot (a person who speaks many languages).

Well, now that you've learned how to read the Binary Alphabet, you can add that as one of the languages you speak/read. Did that take less than 5 minutes? Yes, yes it did.

Speaking in binary code takes a long time however, so maybe only use that when you really want to show off to other nerds.