https://gcc.gnu.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=97445
--- Comment #41 from Jakub Jelinek <jakub at gcc dot gnu.org> --- It is documented to be undefined: -- Built-in Function: int __builtin_clz (unsigned int x) Returns the number of leading 0-bits in X, starting at the most significant bit position. If X is 0, the result is undefined. Especially GCC 11 (but e.g. clang too) will e.g. during value range propagation assume that e.g. the builtin return value will be only 0 to 31, not to 32, etc. The portable way how to write this is x ? __builtin_clz (x) : whatever_value_you_want_for_clz_0; and the compiler should recognize that and if the instruction is well defined for 0 and matches your choice, use optimal sequence.