Subnets·IPv4 /4
IPv4
/4
240.0.0.0

/4 subnet — mask 240.0.0.0

/4 means the first 4 bits are the network and 28 are left for hosts. That is 268,435,456 addresses, with mask 240.0.0.0.

Addresses are 32 bits, so the mask is written in four dotted parts: 255.255.255.0.

Prefix
/4
Subnet mask
240.0.0.0
Wildcard
15.255.255.255
Mask in hex
F0000000
Host bits
28
Addresses
268,435,456
Usable hosts
268,435,454
/24 networks inside
1,048,576
Nibble boundary
Yes

Seen as bits

The leading ones are the network part and the trailing zeros the host part. Add one more one and the network splits in two, halving the addresses.

Blocks reserved at this length

Blocks the standards set aside. The addresses themselves are the same everywhere, so they are left as they are.

224.0.0.0/4240.0.0.0/4

Prefixes either side

How to read this

  • /24 means the first 24 bits are the network; the remaining 8 hold the addresses inside it.
  • Each extra bit splits the network in two and halves the addresses.
  • Usable addresses are normally the total minus two — the network and broadcast addresses.
  • IPv6 has no broadcast, so nothing is subtracted. One network is conventionally a /64.

Frequently asked questions

Q. How many addresses are in a /4?

268,435,456, of which 268,435,454 can actually be handed out.

Q. What is the subnet mask for /4?

240.0.0.0, with wildcard 15.255.255.255.

Q. How many /24 networks fit in a /4?

1,048,576.

Q. How many host bits are there?

28. Each extra network bit halves the addresses.