What determines the typical ranges for integers in computing?

The typical ranges for integers in computing are determined by powers of two representation, specifically due to how integers are stored in binary form within the computer's memory. Computers use a binary number system, where each bit represents a power of two.

For example, an 8-bit integer can represent values from 0 to 255 for unsigned integers and from -128 to 127 for signed integers, following the two's complement representation. The maximum value of an n-bit signed integer can be calculated as (2^{n-1} - 1) (for positive integers) and the minimum as (-2^{n-1}) (for negative integers). Thus, the reason powers of two are crucial is that they directly dictate how many distinct values can be represented within the confines of the bit length used.

This aspect of binary representation is essential in understanding integer ranges in computing. It helps make sense of various integer types available in programming languages, which can vary in their size and the number of bits allocated to them, ultimately affecting the range of integers they can accurately represent.