Why are the signed and unsigned results different?

JavaScript's operators work on signed 32-bit integers, so results with the top bit set read as negative. The unsigned row shows the same bits interpreted without a sign, and the 64-bit row uses BigInt and does not truncate.

What does a left shift do to large numbers?

In 32-bit arithmetic, bits shifted past the top are discarded — so shifting far enough yields zero, or flips the sign.

Bitwise Calculator

Apply AND, OR, XOR, NOT and shifts, and see every representation.

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About this tool

Applies AND, OR, XOR, NOT and shifts, showing the result in decimal, hex and binary. Both the signed 32-bit and unsigned readings are given, because JavaScript's bitwise operators coerce to signed 32-bit integers and the difference surprises people.

Limitations

JavaScript's bitwise operators coerce to signed 32-bit integers. A 32-bit and a 64-bit view are both shown so the difference is visible.

Questions

Why are the signed and unsigned results different?: JavaScript's operators work on signed 32-bit integers, so results with the top bit set read as negative. The unsigned row shows the same bits interpreted without a sign, and the 64-bit row uses BigInt and does not truncate.
What does a left shift do to large numbers?: In 32-bit arithmetic, bits shifted past the top are discarded — so shifting far enough yields zero, or flips the sign.

Privacy

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