Bitwise OR Calculator
Calculate A | B online and see which bit positions become active when either input contains 1.
46 Bin00101110 Hex0x2E 74 Bin01001010 Hex0x4A OR Result
Bit-by-Bit Visualization
OR Truth Table
Click a row to load values into A and B, or inspect how each gate behaves.
| Input A | Input B | OR |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 1 | 1 | 1 |
How the Bitwise OR Calculator Works
A bitwise OR calculator compares two values bit by bit. The result writes 1 when either input bit is 1, making OR useful for setting flags and combining masks.
OR Rule
The output bit is 1 when A, B, or both inputs contain 1 in that position.
Set Flags
OR can turn selected bits on without changing unrelated active bits.
Combine Masks
Merge several mask values into a single integer for configuration or permissions.
Column View
Aligned binary rows make it easy to confirm which columns produce 1.
Bitwise OR Calculation Steps
Use these steps to calculate a bitwise OR result by hand.
Convert and Align
- Write both numbers in binary.
- Pad leading zeros where needed.
- Compare one bit column at a time.
Apply the OR Rule
- Write 1 if either bit is 1.
- Write 0 only when both input bits are 0.
- Keep the selected output width.
Read the Result
- Group bits into nibbles for hex.
- Convert to decimal if needed.
- Use the value to set or combine flags.
Bitwise OR Examples
OR examples show how bit positions become active when either input contributes a 1.
| Input | Operation | Result | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
101110 | 1001010 | OR | 1101110 | Combined active bits |
00001111 | 11110000 | OR | 11111111 | Byte fill |
0x2E | 0x4A | OR | 0x6E | Hex flag merge |
46 | 74 | OR | 110 | Decimal integer result |
Why Use This Bitwise OR Calculator?
Use this OR calculator to set bits, combine masks, and verify packed options.
Binary Input Support
Enter values as binary strings and inspect how each bit contributes to the final answer.
Decimal and Hex Views
Compare the same result in decimal, binary, and hexadecimal without switching tools.
Visual Bit Diagram
Use the bit grid to see active bits, included zeros, leading zeros, and changed positions.
Configurable Width
Choose auto, 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit, or 64-bit output for programming-style results.
Practical Uses for Bitwise OR
OR is widely used when software needs to enable one or more bit flags.
Masks and Flags
Build masks for permissions, settings, protocol fields, and low-level feature toggles.
Low-Level Debugging
Check bit patterns while reviewing firmware, embedded registers, or systems code.
Networking
Inspect headers, subnet masks, and packed fields that depend on bit-level operations.
Packed Values
Read color channels, compact identifiers, and integer fields stored inside one word.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about bitwise operations and this online tool.