# Is there a difference between using nats and bits to express entropy?

It seems to me like questions involving decimal vs binary representations of some number are not particularly interesting: for instance $$\pi$$ or $$\sqrt{2}$$ are conjectured to be normal in every base, and as far as I know this is open for any particular base.

On the other hand, in calculating entropy there is again a choice of basis. Further, this gives us certain 'distinguished' real numbers: e.g. the entropy of the Gauss-Kuzmin distribution is $$3.432527514776...$$ bits, while it is $$2.379246769061...$$ nats.

Are the properties of these digit strings of the same number 'similar' in any way, or is one 'nicer' in some sense?

• this is a bit vague. does one of those two numbers you gave look nicer to you in some sense? is that why you asked? – kodlu Jul 14 at 7:04
• I also don't understand the question. – Kurisuto Asutora Jul 14 at 7:41
• I understand the question as follows: some properties of numbers (such as normality) are basis-independent, others are basis-dependent (such as entropy). In the latter case, has the mathematical community come up with arguments in favor of some preferred basis in which to work? – Alex M. Jul 16 at 5:38