# Convert a string to hex number?

How can I convert a string containing a hex number such as "6b" to a hex digit that mathematica can use to do math with?

I have tried using ToExpression["6b"] but that just give me another string.

Note: Java's BigIntegerclass can construct hex integers from strings. Is there something like this in mathematica?

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By the way, the returned value is not another string. It's the expression 6 b. If you do FullForm[ToExpression["6b"]] you will see its true form. One thing that makes Mathematica unusual as far as programming languages go is that unassigned symbols (like b in this case) have their own values. They aren't strings and they aren't "variables". They're symbols and they can be passed around like any other value. In Java-speak you can think of them as sort of like enums. –  amr Sep 25 '12 at 17:28

The function converting strings to integer is FromDigits. It is the counterpart of IntegerString and both functions can be used with whatever basis you like. Therefore, if you want to convert from base 16 you do
FromDigits["6b", 16]

stringToHex[str_] := ToExpression["16^^" <> str];