How this calculator works
OR combines flags. A set bit in either operand stays set in the result, including positions where both inputs are 1. Inputs must fit the selected width. Short binary patterns receive leading zeros. Decimal negatives use two's complement and must be at least -2^(n-1). The signed output interprets the top bit as a negative place value; the unsigned output reads the same pattern as nonnegative.
Formula
At each position, a OR b = a + b - ab. Only the pair (0, 0) produces 0.
Worked example
In four bits, 1100 OR 1010 = 1110. This is 12 OR 10 = 14 in decimal.
Advertisement
Frequently asked questions
How is OR different from ordinary arithmetic?
It acts separately on each bit position without carrying between columns. The table shows the input pair and output bit for every position.
What happens at the limits?
OR with zero leaves the pattern unchanged; OR with all ones produces all ones.
Can I use more than 32 bits?
Yes. Choose a preset through 64 bits or a custom width from 1 to 256. Text entry preserves every digit, including leading zeros.
Why can signed and unsigned results differ?
They interpret one stored pattern differently. If its highest bit is 1, two's complement subtracts 2^n from the unsigned value.