32 (number)

32 is a natural number, one of the counting numbers starting from 0 or 1. It follows 31 and precedes 33. In the decimal (base-10) system it is composed of two digits: 3 and 2.

32 is an even number, since it is divisible by 2 with no remainder. It is also the fifth power of 2: 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 32, written as 2⁵. For this reason 32 holds particular importance in binary arithmetic and computing.

Mathematical properties

The divisors of 32 are 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32—all powers of 2. Therefore 32 is not a prime number; it is composite. The sum of its divisors excluding the number itself is 1+2+4+8+16 = 31, which is less than 32; numbers of this kind are called deficient numbers. All powers of 2 are deficient, being consistently less than their own proper divisor sum.

Number systems

In the binary system (base 2), 32 is represented as 100000—a one followed by five zeros. In hexadecimal (base 16) it is 20. In Roman numerals it is XXXII. Because it is an exact power of 2, 32 marks the point where the sixth digit begins in binary notation.

Computing applications

Computers commonly organize data in units of 32 bits, known as a '32-bit system'. The addressable memory space of such systems is limited to 2³² units. This was later superseded by 64-bit systems. Additionally, in the ASCII character set, the number 32 represents a space character.

Other uses

On the Fahrenheit scale, 32 degrees is the temperature at which water freezes, equivalent to 0 degrees Celsius. An adult human typically has 32 teeth when the back molars have fully erupted. Some sports competitions take place over 32 rounds or heats.