SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hamg-g7b05

How many different states can a 3-bit binary counter have?

Eight states, from 000 to 111.

Start playing free

  1. 3
  2. 6
  3. 8 ✔

Why: Each added bit doubles the count. Three bits make 2 times 2 times 2, which is 8 states.

Huh, didn't know that: A shift register is a clocked array of circuits that passes data in steps along the array.

The dad joke
A town with 2 hams has 1 radio club. A town with 3 hams has 2 radio clubs.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: 8. Each added bit doubles the count. Three bits make 2 times 2 times 2, which is 8 states.

  1. NCVEC 2023-2027 General Class Pool and Syllabus (6th Errata, Feb 4 2026) ncvec.org/downloads/General%20Class%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%202023-2027%20Public%20Release%20with%206th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
    8
    Checked 2026-10-11.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Ham RadioOn which HF bands do General licensees have some off-limits portions?Ham RadioOn which of these bands is voice (phone) operation prohibited?Ham RadioWhat must hams do when the amateur service is a secondary user on a band?

That's stuff everyone should know.