OR Calculator
Perform the bitwise OR operation on two numbers. Each output bit is 1 when at least one corresponding input bit is 1.
Results
A OR B (Decimal)
61
A (Binary)
111100
B (Binary)
1101
Result (Binary)
111101
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your input values
Fill in all required input fields for the OR Calculator. Follow the units and input format printed next to each field. Where a unit selector is available, choose the units that match your data.
Review your inputs
Double-check that all values are correct and match the units or format shown for each field. Incorrect units are the most common source of calculation errors and can produce results that are off by factors of 2, 10, or more.
Read the results
The OR Calculator computes the output in your browser and displays the results, with units clearly labeled, as soon as they are ready — no data sent to a server.
Explore parameter sensitivity
Try adjusting individual input values to see how the output changes. This is a quick and effective way to develop intuition about how different parameters influence the result and to identify which inputs have the largest effect.
When to Use This Calculator
- •Use the OR Calculator when you need a quick mathematical result without writing out all the steps manually, saving time on repetitive calculations.
- •Use it to verify hand calculations on tests or assignments and catch arithmetic mistakes.
- •Use it when teaching or explaining mathematical concepts to others, demonstrating how changing inputs affects the result.
- •Use it to explore the behavior of mathematical functions across a range of inputs.
Related Calculators
AND Calculator
Perform the bitwise AND operation on two numbers. Each output bit is 1 only when both corresponding input bits are 1.
NOR Calculator
Perform the bitwise NOR (NOT OR) operation. Each output bit is 1 only when both corresponding input bits are 0.
XOR Calculator
Perform the bitwise XOR (exclusive OR) operation. Each output bit is 1 when the corresponding input bits are different.
Bitwise Calculator
Perform bitwise AND, OR, XOR, NOT, NAND, NOR, and XNOR operations on binary numbers. Shows truth tables and binary results.
Binary Calculator (All Operations)
Perform all four basic arithmetic operations (+, −, ×, ÷) on binary numbers. See results in binary, decimal, octal, and hexadecimal.
Bit Shift Calculator
Perform left shift (<<) and right shift (>>) operations on binary numbers. Shift bits left to multiply by powers of 2, right to divide.
About OR Calculator
The OR operation compares each pair of corresponding bits and produces a 1 when at least one bit is 1. It produces 0 only when both bits are 0. OR is used for setting bits — to set bit k, OR the number with 2^k. It is also used for combining flags (permissions = READ | WRITE | EXECUTE), merging bit fields, and building more complex logic from basic gates. In digital circuits, OR gates are fundamental components alongside AND and NOT gates. This calculator computes the bitwise OR of two numbers with full binary visualization.
The Math Behind It
Formula Reference
OR Truth Table
0|0=0, 0|1=1, 1|0=1, 1|1=1
Variables: Output is 0 only when both inputs are 0
Worked Examples
Example 1: 60 OR 13
Compute bitwise OR of 60 and 13.
60 OR 13 = 61₁₀ = 111101₂
Common Mistakes & Tips
- !Confusing | (bitwise OR) with || (logical OR) in programming.
- !Thinking OR adds the numbers — it combines the bit patterns, not the values.
Related Concepts
Used in These Calculators
Calculators that build on or apply the concepts from this page:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set a specific bit?
OR the number with 2^k (or 1 << k). For example, to set bit 3 of value 5 (0101): 5 | 8 = 5 | 1000₂ = 1101₂ = 13.
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