Base64 encoding and decoding calculator

This calculator allows you to encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 strings back to their original format. Base64 is commonly used to encode binary data in ASCII string format, often for embedding in HTML or transmitting over media that are designed to deal with text.

Input Parameters

Calculation Results

Calculation Result

Result will appear here

Where:
Encoding converts binary data to an ASCII string format using a specific radix-64 representation.
Decoding reverses the Base64 process to recover the original binary data.

Base64 encoding and decoding calculator Calculator Usage Guide

Learn how to use the Base64 encoding and decoding calculator and its working principles

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Select the operation type: "Encode to Base64" or "Decode from Base64" from the dropdown menu.
  2. Enter your text in the input field:
    • For encoding: Type or paste the text you want to convert to Base64.
    • For decoding: Paste the Base64 encoded string (it should start with "data:", "base64," or similar prefixes in many contexts, but this calculator will decode any valid Base64 string).
  3. Click the "Calculate" button to perform the operation.
  4. The result will be displayed in the result area.

What is Base64?

Base64 is a group of binary-to-text encoding schemes that represent binary data in an ASCII string format by translating it into a radix-64 representation. The term Base64 originates from a specific radix-64 representation using a 64-character set derived from ASCII.

Base64 is commonly used in various applications:

  • Embedding binary data in HTML documents
  • Attaching files to MIME-multipart email messages
  • Storing binary data in XML files
  • URL encoding where certain characters might be problematic

Example Usage

Encoding Example

Input: "Hello, World!"

Result: "SGVsbG8sIFdvcmxkIQ=="

Decoding Example

Input: "SGVsbG8sIFdvcmxkIQ=="

Result: "Hello, World!"

Important Notes

Base64 encoding does not compress data—it merely transforms it into a different format. The encoded string will always be approximately 33% longer than the original binary data.

When decoding, ensure that the input is a valid Base64 string. Invalid inputs will result in an error message.