Metamask Get Balance Method Doesn’t Work: A Solution to Convert Decimal Value to String
When it comes to displaying your Ethereum (ETH) balance on a web site, you need to ensure that the value is displayed in a format that’s easily readable by users. Unfortunately, Metamask’s getBalance method returns an hexadecimal string instead of a decimal number.
In this article, we’ll explore why Metamask might be returning “0x103cf17cc1518eb4” and provide a step-by-step solution to convert the hexadecimal value into a human-readable string.
Why is Metamask gettingBalance method returning hexadecimal?
There are several reasons why Metamask’s getBalance method might be returning an hexadecimal value:
- Error in the underlying blockchain: If there’s an issue with the Ethereum network, such as a block or transaction being stuck in a loop, it could cause the balance to be displayed incorrectly.
- Incorrect initialization of the contract
: Make sure that you’re initializing your contract correctly and that its
getBalancemethod is functioning properly.
- Metamask’s account settings: If your Metamask account settings are not configured correctly, it might be causing the balance display issue.
Converting hexadecimal to decimal (0x103cf17cc1518eb4)
To convert a hexadecimal value to a decimal number, you can use a simple formula:
Decimal Value = Hexadecimal Value × 16^i
Where i is the length of the hexadecimal value minus one.
For example, let’s say we have an hexadecimal value “0x103cf17cc1518eb4”. We need to convert it to a decimal number.
- Convert each character (hexadecimal digit) from uppercase to lowercase:
* 0 -> 0
* 1 -> 1
* 3 -> 3
* c -> c
* f -> f
* 1 -> 1
* s -> s
* c -> c
* c -> c
* i -> i
* l -> l
* a -> a
* b -> b
* e -> e
- Reverse the hexadecimal string: “103cf17cc1518eb4” becomes “1c7f0b8eac”
- Multiply each character (hexadecimal digit) by 16^i:
* 1 × 16^0 = 1
* c × 16^2 = 256 × 144 = 36864
* f × 16^3 = 8192 × 576 = 46656
* 1 × 16^4 = 65536 × 3608 = 23358432
* s × 16^5 = 1048576 × 28224 = 2992626560
* c × 16^6 = 16777216 × 55248 = 92947495608
* c × 16^7 = 16777216 × 9009 = 149457904896
* i × 16^8 = 268435456 × 3608 = 9730790460160
* l × 16^9 = 2147483648 × 55248 = 119141305715808
* a × 16^10 = 4294967296 × 9009 = 387420717609008
Converting the hexadecimal value to decimal
Now that we have calculated the decimal values, let’s convert them back into strings.
- Convert each decimal value from binary (base 2) to decimal:
* 1c7f0b8eac (binary) -> 1 + 256 + 36864 + 46656 + 2992626560 = 3191911195
* 23358432 (binary) -> 23358432
* 2992626560 (binary) -> 2992626560
* 149457904896 (binary) -> 149457904896
* 9730790460160 (binary) -> 9730790460160
- Combine the decimal values to form a hexadecimal string:
* 1c7f0b8eac + 23358432 = “3a6d9”
* 23358432 + 2992626560 = “2aa4fcde”
* 2992626560 + 149457904896 = “ccdf5b86”
* 9730790460160 + 3191911195 = “3c7a8d1f6”
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve explored why Metamask’s getBalance method is returning an hexadecimal string instead of a decimal number and provided a step-by-step solution to convert the hexadecimal value into a human-readable string. By following these steps, you should be able to display your Ethereum balance on a web site in a format that’s easily readable by users.
Remember to always double-check your Metamask account settings and the contract initialization to ensure that everything is correct. If you’re still experiencing issues, feel free to ask for further assistance!