Convert Binary Degrees to Semicircles
Convert Binary Degrees (brad) to Semicircles (sc) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
sc = brad × 0.0078125
About Binary Degrees
A binary degree (brad) divides the full circle into 256 equal parts - π/128 rad ≈ 0.024544 rad (= 1.40625°). The 256-part circle maps perfectly onto an 8-bit byte, making binary degrees ideal for memory-constrained embedded systems: headings stored in a single byte (0-255) need no floating-point arithmetic. Game engines, CNC machine controllers, and digital servo systems use this representation. 16-bit BAM (65,536 per circle) gives ~0.005° (≈ 89 µrad) per unit for precision heading systems. 1 brad = 1.40625° = 84.375′.
About Semicircles
A semicircle equals 1/2 of a full circle - exactly π rad = 180°. GPS and GLONASS transmit satellite orbital elements with latitude and longitude in semicircles, maximising angular resolution within 32-bit signed integers: ±2³¹ units span ±π rad with ~1.46 × 10⁻⁹ rad resolution per unit. Euler's identity e^(iπ) + 1 = 0 encodes exactly 1 semicircle of rotation in the complex plane, mapping 1 to -1 - often called the most beautiful equation in mathematics. 1 semicircle = π rad = 180° = 200 grad = 3,200 NATO mils.
Quick Reference Table
| Binary Degrees (brad) | Semicircles (sc) |
|---|---|
| 1 brad | 0.0078125 sc |
| 2 brad | 0.015625 sc |
| 5 brad | 0.0390625 sc |
| 10 brad | 0.078125 sc |
| 25 brad | 0.195313 sc |
| 50 brad | 0.390625 sc |
| 100 brad | 0.78125 sc |