Subnet for 6 hosts
A network that needs 6 hosts fits in a /29, mask 255.255.255.248, with 6 usable addresses.
A network built for exactly 6 hosts fits a /29 with no waste. The mask is 255.255.255.248, and all 6 of its usable addresses are spoken for.
Go one prefix smaller, to a /30, and the block only holds 2 usable addresses, not enough room for 6 hosts. A /29 is the smallest standard block that fits.
Enter any address below to see the exact network, broadcast, and host range for a /29 block.
Calculate a /29 network
Accepts CIDR (192.0.2.0/24), IP + mask (192.0.2.0 255.255.255.0), or a bare IP (defaults to /24).
11000000.00000000.00000010.0000000011111111.11111111.11111111.11111000Example: 192.0.2.0/29
Taking 192.0.2.0/29 as a worked example, a /29 block breaks down like this:
| Network address | 192.0.2.0 |
|---|---|
| Usable range | 192.0.2.1 - 192.0.2.6 |
| Broadcast address | 192.0.2.7 |
| Total addresses | 8 |
| Usable hosts | 6 |
Frequently asked questions
What subnet mask do I need for 6 hosts?
A network with 6 hosts fits in a /29, which uses the mask 255.255.255.248 and provides 6 usable addresses.
How many addresses does a /29 block have in total?
A /29 has 8 total addresses, 6 of them usable (the total minus the network and broadcast addresses, except for /31 and /32).
Is there a smaller subnet that still fits 6 hosts?
No. A /29 has exactly 6 usable addresses, which makes it the smallest standard block that fits 6 hosts without going over.
How do I work this out myself?
Find the smallest power of two, minus two, that is at least 6. That takes 3 host bits, which leaves a /29 prefix. See how to calculate a subnet mask for the full method.