๐ก Base32 Converter
JBSWY3DPFQQFO33SNRSCC===
Encode text into Base32 (as defined by RFC 4648), or decode a Base32 string back into text. Base32 is commonly used for data that needs to be represented using only letters and digits, such as TOTP (two-factor authentication) secret keys.
How to use
- Choose the "Encode" or "Decode" tab.
- Enter text to encode, or a Base32 string to decode.
- The result appears automatically โ use the copy button to copy it to your clipboard.
How the calculation works
Base32, defined in RFC 4648, represents data using only 32 characters: the capital letters AโZ and the digits 2โ7. It works well in case-insensitive systems and when people read out or type the value, and is used for things like two-factor authentication (TOTP) secrets. The data is split into 5-bit chunks, and each chunk becomes one of the 32 characters. Five bytes (40 bits) make exactly 8 characters, so the output is padded with "=" to a multiple of 8. This tool encodes text as UTF-8 first. When decoding, it also accepts lower case and input without the trailing "=".
Worked example
Test vectors from RFC 4648 "f" โ MY====== "fo" โ MZXQ==== "foo" โ MZXW6=== "foob" โ MZXW6YQ= "fooba" โ MZXW6YTB "foobar" โ MZXW6YTBOI====== "Hello, World!" โ JBSWY3DPFQQFO33SNRSCC===
Things to be aware of
- Base32 output is about 25% longer than Base64 (Base64 is about 1.33 times the input, Base32 about 1.6 times).
- The digits 0, 1 and 8 are left out so they are not confused with the letters O, I and B.
- Base32 is not encryption; anyone can decode it.
FAQ
What's the difference between Base32 and Base64?
Base64 uses 64 characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /), while Base32 uses only 32 characters (A-Z, 2-7). Base32 is often preferred for case-insensitive contexts or data meant to be typed by hand, such as two-factor authentication secret keys.
What alphabet does this use?
The standard RFC 4648 alphabet: the 32 characters A-Z and 2-7, with "=" used for padding.
Why does decoding sometimes fail?
If the input contains characters outside the Base32 alphabet (like 0, 1, 8, or 9), it's treated as invalid input.