/20 Subnet Mask: 255.255.240.0
A /20 prefix fixes the first 20 bits of the address as the network, leaving 12 bits for hosts. That gives 4,096 addresses, of which 4,094 can be assigned to hosts.
| CIDR notation | /20 |
| Subnet mask | 255.255.240.0 |
| Wildcard mask | 0.0.15.255 |
| Binary mask | 11111111.11111111.11110000.00000000 |
| Hex mask | 0xFFFFF000 |
| Total addresses | 4,096 |
| Usable hosts | 4,094 |
Example: 172.16.0.0/20
- Network address: 172.16.0.0
- First usable host: 172.16.0.1
- Last usable host: 172.16.15.254
- Broadcast address: 172.16.15.255
When to use a /20 subnet
Larger office or campus segments, and cloud subnets that need hundreds to thousands of addresses.
- 4,096 /20 subnets fit in a /8.
- 16 /20 subnets fit in a /16.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the subnet mask for /20?
The subnet mask for /20 is 255.255.240.0, and its wildcard (inverse) mask is 0.0.15.255.
How many hosts are in a /20?
A /20 contains 4,096 addresses. Subtracting the network and broadcast addresses leaves 4,094 usable hosts.