Subnets·IPv4 /6
IPv4
/6
252.0.0.0

/6 subnet — mask 252.0.0.0

/6 means the first 6 bits are the network and 26 are left for hosts. That is 67,108,864 addresses, with mask 252.0.0.0.

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

Prefix
/6
Subnet mask
252.0.0.0
Wildcard
3.255.255.255
Mask in hex
FC000000
Host bits
26
Addresses
67,108,864
Usable hosts
67,108,862
/24 networks inside
262,144
Nibble boundary
No

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.

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 /6?

67,108,864, of which 67,108,862 can actually be handed out.

Q. What is the subnet mask for /6?

252.0.0.0, with wildcard 3.255.255.255.

Q. How many /24 networks fit in a /6?

262,144.

Q. How many host bits are there?

26. Each extra network bit halves the addresses.