Quick Answer
The answer is /26. This prefix creates the smallest subnet that meets the requirement of at least 62 usable hosts because a /26 provides exactly 64 total IP addresses, and after reserving the network and broadcast addresses, 62 remain for hosts. The core of subnet host requirement calculation is recognizing that usable hosts equal 2^(32-prefix) minus 2, so you must find the smallest power of two that, after subtracting two, meets or exceeds your target. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this type of question tests your ability to avoid over-allocating IP space—a common trap is choosing /25, which works but wastes addresses, or /27, which only yields 30 usable hosts. Remember the formula: usable hosts = 2^h - 2, where h is the number of host bits. A handy memory tip is to think of the “minus two” as the two reserved addresses that always get subtracted, so for 62 usable hosts, you need 64 total addresses, which is exactly a /26.
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network infrastructure and connectivity. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. A key principle to apply: subnetting divides an IP network into smaller subnets by allocating bits for network and host portions using a subnet mask or prefix length.. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A subnet must support at least 62 usable hosts. Which prefix will create the smallest subnet that meets the requirement?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "least"
Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
/27
Why wrong: This is wrong because a /27 provides only 30 usable host addresses.
/26
This is correct because a /26 provides 64 total addresses and 62 usable hosts.
/25
Why wrong: This is wrong because /25 works but is larger than necessary.
/24
Why wrong: This is wrong because /24 is much larger than required.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
/26
To support at least 62 usable hosts, the subnet needs 64 total addresses, because two of those will be reserved for the network and broadcast addresses. In plain language, the target is not 62 total addresses; it is 62 usable ones after the two reserved values are taken away. A /26 provides exactly 64 total addresses and therefore 62 usable host addresses. This is a classic minimum-prefix question because it checks whether you can convert a host requirement into the correct power-of-two subnet size without over-allocating unnecessarily. A /27 would be too small, while /25 would work but would waste more addresses than needed. The smallest valid prefix is /26.
Key principle: Subnetting divides an IP network into smaller subnets by allocating bits for network and host portions using a subnet mask or prefix length.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
/27
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because a /27 provides only 30 usable host addresses.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question specified a requirement for at least 30 usable hosts, then a /27 would be the correct answer, as it accommodates exactly 30 usable addresses.
/26
Why this is correct
This is correct because a /26 provides 64 total addresses and 62 usable hosts.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Subnetting divides an IP network into smaller subnets by allocating bits for network and host portions using a subnet mask or prefix length.
/25
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because /25 works but is larger than necessary.
When this WOULD be correct
In a scenario where the question specifies a need for at least 126 usable hosts, a /25 subnet would be the correct answer, as it meets the requirement without exceeding it unnecessarily.
/24
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because /24 is much larger than required.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question asked for a subnet that supports at least 254 usable hosts, then /24 would be the correct answer, as it provides the necessary number of usable addresses without exceeding the requirement.
Option-by-option analysis
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 200-301 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
Why this is correct
This is correct because a /26 provides 64 total addresses and 62 usable hosts.
Why this is wrong here
A /27 prefix provides only 32 total addresses (2^(32-27)=32), with 30 usable hosts after subtracting network and broadcast addresses. This is insufficient for the requirement of at least 62 usable hosts.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question specified a requirement for at least 30 usable hosts, then a /27 would be the correct answer, as it accommodates exactly 30 usable addresses.
Why candidates choose this
Students may mistakenly think that a /27 is sufficient because they forget to subtract the network and broadcast addresses, or they confuse the number of total addresses with usable hosts.
Why this is wrong here
A /25 prefix provides 128 total addresses and 126 usable hosts, which is more than required. While it meets the requirement, it is not the smallest prefix, leading to wasted IP addresses in a subnet.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a scenario where the question specifies a need for at least 126 usable hosts, a /25 subnet would be the correct answer, as it meets the requirement without exceeding it unnecessarily.
Why candidates choose this
Students might choose /25 because it clearly provides enough hosts, but they overlook the requirement for the smallest prefix that meets the need, which is a common exam trap.
Why this is wrong here
A /24 prefix provides 256 total addresses and 254 usable hosts, far exceeding the requirement of 62 usable hosts. This is not the smallest prefix and results in significant waste of IP address space.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question asked for a subnet that supports at least 254 usable hosts, then /24 would be the correct answer, as it provides the necessary number of usable addresses without exceeding the requirement.
Why candidates choose this
Students may default to /24 as a common subnet size without calculating the exact requirement, or they may not understand the concept of choosing the smallest prefix that satisfies the host count.
Analysis generated from the official 200-301blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Common exam traps
Ensure you calculate usable hosts, not total addresses. Remember that network and broadcast addresses are not usable.
Detailed technical explanation
Subnetting is a fundamental concept in IP networking that divides a larger network into smaller, manageable subnetworks. Each subnet has a network address, a broadcast address, and a range of usable host addresses. The subnet mask or prefix length determines how many bits are allocated for the network portion versus the host portion of the IP address. In IPv4, the number of usable hosts in a subnet is calculated as 2^(number of host bits) minus 2, accounting for the network and broadcast addresses. To determine the smallest prefix that supports at least 62 usable hosts, you must find the subnet mask that provides at least 64 total addresses (62 usable plus 2 reserved). A /26 prefix corresponds to 255.255.255.192, which allocates 6 bits for hosts (2^6 = 64 addresses). This meets the requirement exactly, providing 62 usable host addresses. Prefixes longer than /26 (like /27) provide fewer hosts, while shorter prefixes (like /25 or /24) provide more hosts but waste address space. A common exam trap is confusing total addresses with usable hosts and selecting a prefix that either provides too few usable hosts or unnecessarily wastes IP addresses. For example, a /27 prefix offers 32 total addresses but only 30 usable hosts, which is insufficient. Conversely, a /25 prefix supports 126 usable hosts but is larger than needed, leading to inefficient IP address utilization. Understanding this distinction is critical for subnetting questions in the CCNA exam and practical network design.
Key takeaway
Subnetting divides an IP network into smaller subnets by allocating bits for network and host portions using a subnet mask or prefix length.
Real-world example
A network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
What to study next
Review subnetting divides an IP network into smaller subnets by allocating bits for network and host portions using a subnet mask or prefix length., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — This question tests Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — Subnetting divides an IP network into smaller subnets by allocating bits for network and host portions using a subnet mask or prefix length..
The correct answer is: /26 — To support at least 62 usable hosts, the subnet needs 64 total addresses, because two of those will be reserved for the network and broadcast addresses. In plain language, the target is not 62 total addresses; it is 62 usable ones after the two reserved values are taken away. A /26 provides exactly 64 total addresses and therefore 62 usable host addresses. This is a classic minimum-prefix question because it checks whether you can convert a host requirement into the correct power-of-two subnet size without over-allocating unnecessarily. A /27 would be too small, while /25 would work but would waste more addresses than needed. The smallest valid prefix is /26.
Review subnetting divides an IP network into smaller subnets by allocating bits for network and host portions using a subnet mask or prefix length., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Yes — watch for: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
Subnetting divides an IP network into smaller subnets by allocating bits for network and host portions using a subnet mask or prefix length.
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A subnet must support 14 usable hosts. Which prefix is the smallest that meets the requirement?
hardWhy B: To support 14 usable hosts, the subnet must have 16 total addresses, because two are reserved for the network and broadcast addresses. In plain language, you need enough address slots so that after those two reserved entries are removed, 14 remain. A /28 provides exactly that: 16 total addresses and 14 usable addresses. This is a classic minimum-subnet-size question because it tests whether you can work backward from host requirement to prefix length. A /29 would be too small, while a /27 would work but waste more addresses than necessary.
Last reviewed: May 17, 2026
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