Metamask Get Balance Method Not Working: Solution to Convert Decimal Value to String
When it comes to displaying your Ethereum (ETH) balance on a website, you need to ensure that the value is displayed in a format that is easy for users to read. Unfortunately, Metamask’s getBalance method returns a hexadecimal string instead of a decimal number.
In this article, we will explore why Metamask might be returning “0x103cf17cc1518eb4” and provide you with a step-by-step solution to convert the hexadecimal value to a human-readable string.
Why does Metamask getBalance method return a hexadecimal number?
There are several reasons why Metamask’s getBalance method might be returning a hexadecimal value:
- Bug in the underlying blockchain: If there is a problem with the Ethereum network, such as a blocking or stuck transaction in a loop, this can cause the balance to be displayed incorrectly.
- Incorrect Contract Initialization: Make sure you initialize the contract correctly and that its “getBalance” method is working properly.
- Metamask Account Settings: If your Metamask account settings are not configured correctly, it may cause a problem with displaying your balance.
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 the hexadecimal value “0x103cf17cc1518eb4”. We need to convert it to decimal.
- Convert each character (hex 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 (hex digit) by 16^i:
- 1 × 16^0 = 1
- c × 16^2 = 256 × 144 = 36,864
- 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 Hexadecimal to Decimal
Now that we have calculated the decimal values, let’s convert them back to 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 examined why the Metamask getBalance method returns a hexadecimal string instead of a decimal number, and provided a step-by-step solution to convert the hexadecimal value to a human-readable string. Following these steps, you should be able to display your Ethereum balance on a website in a format that is easy for users to read.
Remember to always double-check your Metamask account settings and contract initialization to make sure everything is correct. If you continue to have problems, don’t hesitate to ask for further assistance!