IPv4 address
An IPv4 address is a numerical label used to identify a device on a computer network that uses Internet Protocol version 4 for communication.
Also known as: Internet Protocol version 4 address
How big is it?
4 B · binary address size
Binary address size · standard
A little perspective
IPv4 address vs ASCII character: data size comparison
The binary address size of an IPv4 address is about 4 times the data size of an ASCII character.
BYTES OF DATA
An IPv4 address is a numerical label used to identify a device on a computer network that uses Internet Protocol version 4 for communication.
An ASCII character is a letter, digit, punctuation mark or control code encoded using the American Standard Code for Information Interchange.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
IPv4 address
Binary address size: 4 B; standard.
An IPv4 address contains exactly 32 bits, or four bytes. Text forms such as 192.0.2.1 occupy more storage because they encode punctuation and digits.
The marked binary address size is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
ASCII character
Data: 1 B; example.
One ASCII character stored as one byte. UTF-8 characters can occupy more than one byte.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked data is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 4 B
We compare the binary address size of an IPv4 address. This value follows a stated standard.
An IPv4 address contains exactly 32 bits, or four bytes. Text forms such as 192.0.2.1 occupy more storage because they encode punctuation and digits.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 B | Not recorded | standard |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueDigital informationASCII character1 BDataAn ASCII character is a letter, digit, punctuation mark or control code encoded using the American Standard Code for Information Interchange.Nearest higher valueDigital informationEthernet MAC address6 BAddress sizeAn Ethernet MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications on physical networks.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- RFC 791 — Internet ProtocolIPv4 addresses are 32-bit protocol fields.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
DigitalASCII character1 BAn ASCII character is a letter, digit, punctuation mark or control code encoded using the American Standard Code for Information Interchange.
DigitalText page3 kBA digital file containing one page of plain text characters without formatting or embedded fonts.DigitalEthernet MAC address6 BAn Ethernet MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications on physical networks.DigitalIPv6 address16 BAn IPv6 address is a numerical label used to identify devices on a computer network using the Internet Protocol version 6.DigitalUniversally unique identifier16 BA universally unique identifier is a standardised alphanumeric code used to distinguish information or objects in computer systems.DigitalFour-bit hexadecimal digit0.5 BA four-bit hexadecimal digit is a data unit capable of representing any value from 0 to 15, commonly used in digital systems.DigitalSHA-256 digest32 BA SHA-256 digest is a unique digital fingerprint generated from input data using the SHA-256 cryptographic hash algorithm.DigitalGPS navigation message subframe37.5 BA GPS navigation message subframe is a segment of digital data transmitted by GPS satellites to provide positioning and timing information to receivers.