What Is a Bit?


A bit (or binary digit) is the smallest unit of info a computer can store and process. A bit has only two logical states, typically represented by binary values of 0 or 1 (other alternatives are yes/no, +/−, on/off, and true/false).

While computers can operate at the bit level, most systems store and process data in bytes (a sequence of eight bits that act as a single unit of info).