Binary Blocks
Tap a block to switch it on or off
What is Binary Blocks?
Binary Blocks is a free game that teaches binary, the counting system every computer actually uses. Instead of ten digits, binary has two: 0 and 1. Each block on screen is worth double the one to its right - 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 - and switching blocks on adds their values together. Build the number you are asked for and you score. After a few rounds you can read a binary number on sight.
How to play Binary Blocks
Controls: Tap a block to switch it on or off
- 1Look at the number in the MAKE box - that is your target.
- 2Each block has its value printed underneath: 1, 2, 4, 8 and so on, doubling each time.
- 3Tap a block to switch it on (1) or off (0).
- 4The values of all the switched-on blocks add together, and the running sum is shown.
- 5Match the target exactly to score, then a new number appears.
Binary Blocks tips and strategy
- Always start from the biggest block that still fits. To make 13, take the 8 first, then 4, then 1 - that greedy approach always works in binary.
- If your total goes over the target, you took a block that was too big. Switch it off rather than trying to fix it with smaller ones.
- Notice that each block is worth more than every smaller block added together. 8 is more than 4+2+1, which is why the greedy method never fails.
- Odd numbers always need the 1 block, and even numbers never do. That single check saves you time on every round.
Binary Blocks FAQ
What is binary and why do computers use it?
Binary is counting with only two digits, 0 and 1. Computers use it because their circuits are built from switches, and a switch has exactly two states: on or off. Representing everything as ones and zeros means the whole machine can be built from one very simple, very reliable part.
How do you write a number in binary?
Work from the largest place value down. Each place is double the one to its right - 128, 64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2, 1 - so for 13 you take the 8, then the 4, then the 1, giving 00001101. Taking the biggest value that still fits at each step always produces the right answer.
What does 8-bit mean?
A bit is one 0 or 1. Eight bits together is a byte, and eight bits can represent 256 different values, from 0 to 255. That is why so many limits in older computing stop at 255.
Is Binary Blocks good for learning?
It is built for exactly that. The place value of every block is printed on screen and the sum is written out as you go, so the rule becomes obvious through playing rather than having to be memorised first.
