.db is 16 bit, .dw is 32 bit (2 byte) .dw is used for larger numbers but is harder to work with. If you load a .dw label into hl you will only be getting the first 16 bits. I wouldn't worry about .dw just use .db . .dw is basicly 2 .dbs it is used for memory locations Someone correct me if I'm wrong, which I might be. -Joe