Bit Shift Calculator

Q: What is 37 << 3?

37 × 8 = 296. In binary 100101 becomes 100101000.

Q: Is right shift the same as dividing?

For non-negative values yes, rounding toward zero. For negatives, arithmetic shift rounds toward negative infinity instead.

Work out bit shift instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Bit Shift Calculator

Shifting left by k multiplies by 2ᵏ and shifting right divides by 2ᵏ, discarding any remainder. Shifts were historically much faster than multiply and divide instructions, and compilers still use them.

Formula

Bit shifts

v << k = v × 2ᵏ, v >> k = floor(v / 2ᵏ)

Worked example

With the default values below, Bit Shift Calculator returns Shifted value of 296. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Value: 37
Shift amountaccepts 0–31: 3
Directionone of Left (<<), Right (>>): Left (<<)

Results

Shifted value: 296
Equivalent factor 2ᵏ: 8
Binary before: 100101
Binary after: 100101000

Step by step

1Values used
2Bit shifts
3Shifted value= 296
4Equivalent factor 2ᵏ= 8
5Binary before= 100101
6Binary after= 100101000

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 3 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to whole numbers, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 37 << 3?