Base32 Encoder and Decoder

Base32 is a binary-to-text encoding that represents data with 32 symbols. Each output character carries 5 bits, so the RFC 4648 form converts each 5 input bytes, or 40 bits, into 8 Base32 characters. It is commonly used when data needs to be copied through text-only channels, stored in case-insensitive locations, read aloud, or handled by people more easily than Base64.

This tool encodes the input text as UTF-8 bytes and writes those bytes with the selected Crockford, RFC 3548, RFC 4648, or z-base-32 alphabet. Decoding performs the reverse operation: it ignores whitespace, accepts optional trailing = padding, validates each character against the selected alphabet, and shows decoded text when the result is valid UTF-8.

Base32 is not encryption, hashing, compression, or access control. Anyone with the encoded text and the correct alphabet can decode it, and the encoded form is larger than the original bytes. Do not treat Base32 output as a safe way to hide passwords, keys, or other secrets.

The RFC 4648 and RFC 3548 alphabets use A-Z followed by 2-7. This tool emits unpadded output for compact copy and paste, while its decoder accepts trailing padding when you receive padded Base32 from another system. Variant alphabets are not interchangeable, so select the same algorithm that was used to create the input.