Ternary numeral system

A ternary /ˈtɜːrnəri/ numeral system (also called base 3 or trinary) has three as its base. Analogous to a bit, a ternary digit is a trit (trinary digit). One trit is equivalent to log₂ 3 (about 1.58496) bits of information.

Although ternary most often refers to a system in which the three digits are all non–negative numbers; specifically 0, 1, and 2, the adjective also lends its name to the balanced ternary system; comprising the digits −1, 0 and +1, used in comparison logic and ternary computers.