Base32 is an encoding method that uses 32 printable characters to represent binary data. Compared to Base64, Base32 uses a smaller character set, making it better suited for case-insensitive scenarios and avoiding easily confused characters (such as 0/O, 1/I/l). Base32 encoding converts every 5 bytes of data into 8 characters, so the encoded data size is approximately 160% of the original. Base32 is commonly used in QR codes, TOTP verification codes, and similar scenarios.