EBCDIC to ASCII

What is EBCDIC?

EBCDIC (Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code) is an 8-bit character encoding system developed by IBM in the 1960s.

It was primarily used on IBM mainframes and midrange systems. EBCDIC assigns unique byte values to characters (letters, numbers, symbols), but its layout is very different from ASCII; letters and numbers aren’t in sequential order, and control codes are arranged differently.

Example:

• The letter A in EBCDIC = 0xC1 (decimal 193)
• The letter A in ASCII = 0x41 (decimal 65)

What is ASCII?

ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) is a 7-bit character encoding introduced in the 1960s as well.

It became the standard for personal computers, the internet, and most modern systems. ASCII places characters in a logical, sequential order (A–Z, a–z, digits 0–9, etc.), making it easier for software to process and compare text.

Example:

• The letter B in ASCII = 0x42 (decimal 66)
• In EBCDIC, B = 0xC2 (decimal 194)

How to Use the EBCDIC to ASCII Converter Online

• Enter EBCDIC Code: Paste or type your EBCDIC code into the Input box at the top. You can enter it in hexadecimal form (e.g., C8 85 93 93 96 40 A2 96 A2 89) or as raw binary data.
• Automatic Conversion: Auto Update is enabled by default, so your input will be converted instantly as soon as you paste or type it. If you prefer manual control, uncheck the Auto Update box and click Convert when ready.
• Convert Manually (Optional): When Auto Update is turned off, click the Convert button to process your input. The converted ASCII text will appear in the Output section.
• Reverse Conversion (Optional): Click the Reverse button to change ASCII text back into EBCDIC format.
• View or Copy Output: The Output box displays the decoded ASCII text. Use the copy icon next to the box to copy it instantly.

What are the main uses of an EBCDIC to ASCII converter?

• Mainframe Data Migration: Converting legacy IBM mainframe datasets from EBCDIC to ASCII for use in modern databases, applications, or cloud systems.
• ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) Pipelines: Transforming incoming EBCDIC-encoded data feeds into ASCII before ingestion into analytics or reporting tools.
• Log and Report Analysis: Decoding EBCDIC-encoded logs, reports, or transaction records so they can be read on standard systems.
• COBOL Application Integration: Converting output from COBOL programs running on mainframes into ASCII for APIs or web applications.
• Data Recovery: Extracting and converting archived datasets from old storage tapes or binary files that use EBCDIC encoding.
• File Format Compatibility: Preparing files for software that only supports ASCII by converting them from EBCDIC format.
• Testing & QA: Ensuring that mainframe-to-modern-system data transfers maintain integrity after encoding conversion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is EBCDIC?

EBCDIC is an 8-bit character encoding used on IBM mainframes. It differs from ASCII in byte layout and control ranges.

How do I know my code page?

Check system metadata, copybooks, dataset attributes, or vendor docs. If unknown, try CP037, CP1047, or CP500 and compare punctuation.

Can I upload large files?

Yes. For very large inputs, use the batch mode. The tool streams blocks to keep memory stable.

Does this also convert ASCII to EBCDIC?

Yes. Use the reverse mode in the same interface.

Is my data secure?

Small conversions run in the browser. For larger files, processing is transient and removed after completion.