binary registers at 2 bytes each: 16 × 2 = 32 bytes

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:12:07 +0000

Understanding 2-Byte Registers in Computing: Why 16 × 2 = 32 Bytes In the world of computer architecture, data is represented in discrete units, and one of the fundamental building blocks is the binary register—a small memory location used to store data temporarily during processing. A common configuration is the 2-byte register, and understanding how this translates to total memory usage, such as 16 × 2 = 32 bytes, is key for optimizing performance, memory management, and system design. ### What Is a Binary Register? A binary register is a physical storage unit within a processor’s central processing unit (CPU). Each register holds a fixed amount of data represented in binary—typically 8, 16, 32, or 64 bits. A 2-byte (16-bit) register stores 16 bits, equivalent to 2 bytes, allowing it to represent integers in a range from 0 to 65,535 (in unsigned mode) or signed values from -32,768 to 32,767 (in two’s complement).