Productive ToolboxBase32 Encoder / Decoder
Encode and decode text using Base32 — used in 2FA secrets and legacy systems.
Base32 Encoder/Decoder
Convert text to Base32 or decode Base32 back to text instantly. Perfect for 2FA secrets, TOTP authentication, and developer workflows. We do not collect or store what you enter.
Conversion Mode
Options
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Output
Export Options
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About Base32 Encoding
What is Base32?
Base32 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that uses a 32-character alphabet to represent binary data. It's commonly used in 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) systems, TOTP secrets, and applications where case-insensitive encoding is required.
Common Use Cases
- • 2FA and TOTP secret keys
- • Legacy authentication protocols
- • Case-insensitive data encoding
- • Git object names and references
- • Network protocols and APIs
Base32 Alphabet
RFC 4648 (Standard)
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ234567Crockford Base32
0123456789ABCDEFGHJKMNPQRSTVWXYZSecure
Private: your inputs are not collected or stored
Fast
Instant encoding and decoding
Accurate
RFC 4648 compliant
💡 Pro Tips
- • Use auto-detect mode for quick conversion
- • Enable grouping for better readability
- • Crockford variant avoids confusing characters
- • Perfect for 2FA secret key management
We do not collect or store what you enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Base32 encoding?
Base32 writes binary data using 32 characters: A–Z and 2–7 in the standard RFC 4648 alphabet. Every 5 bytes become 8 characters, so the output is about 60% longer than the input, and = signs pad the last block.
Where is Base32 used?
Most often for two-factor authentication: the secret behind a TOTP QR code (Google Authenticator, Authy, 1Password) is a Base32 string. It is also used in some file names and URLs because it avoids characters that look alike and is not case-sensitive.
What is the difference between Base32 and Base64?
Base64 uses 64 characters including lowercase letters, + and /, so it is shorter (about 33% overhead) but case-sensitive and not URL-safe by default. Base32 is longer but uses only uppercase letters and digits, which makes it easier to read aloud or type.
What is Crockford Base32?
A variant by Douglas Crockford that uses 0–9 and A–Z without I, L, O and U, so 0/O and 1/I/L cannot be confused. Choose it when people will read or type the codes; choose RFC 4648 for TOTP secrets and anything that expects the standard alphabet.
Why does decoding fail?
Usually because the input contains a character outside the chosen alphabet, such as 0, 1, 8 or 9 in standard Base32, or because it was encoded with the other variant. Spaces and lowercase letters are also a common cause when a secret is copied by hand.
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