Why are page sizes always powers of 2?

Page sizes are typically powers of 2 because this alignment simplifies memory management and addressing in computer architecture. Using powers of 2 allows for efficient use of binary arithmetic, making it easier to calculate offsets and manage memory allocation. Additionally, it facilitates the implementation of paging systems in operating systems, as it ensures that page boundaries align neatly with the binary representation of memory addresses. This design choice enhances performance and simplifies hardware design.