Abstract: A dynamic memory allocator in a computer assigns portions of memory into a large number of slots that include zero or more memory blocks of equal size. Free lists identify memory blocks, corresponding to a slot size, not currently in use in the computer. Software programs generate requests, including a size, for a memory block. The size of the requests are rounded up to the nearest slot size. To allocate a memory block, the free lists are searched, using a bit map index or a hierarchical bit map index, to identify an available memory block to accommodate the memory block requested. The dynamic memory allocator handles large block allocations different from small block allocations. A virtual memory allocator stores a plurality of pointers to identify one or more virtual pages of memory for allocation to the dynamic memory allocator.