Bits, Bytes & Text

How many patterns?

An interactive lesson with 6 steps, about 5 minutes: you predict, drag and solve, with instant feedback on every answer. It runs in your browser and needs JavaScript.

What you’ll learn

• $n$ bits make $2^n$ patterns.
• Text is stored as numbers: ASCII gives "A" the code 65.
• Labelling $N$ things takes $\lceil \log_2 N \rceil$ bits. 1 byte = 8 bits.

Steps

1. How many patterns?
2. Text as numbers
3. Spell a letter
4. Enough bits
5. Room for every character
6. Kilo, or kibi?