Data Storage Converter

How to use it

The storage conversion calculator is a handy webtool to use to convert from one storage unit to another.

Enter a valueType a storage size into any one of the fields. Any number is accepted, including the ‘e’ exponent such as 5e9.

Read the resultsAll the other fields update automatically with the converted sizes.

Pick a size systemDecimal (1,000) matches drive labels and network speeds. Binary (1,024) matches how many operating systems report file sizes.

Copy a valueClick the clipboard button beside any field to copy it.

Handy conversions

1 byte

Is 8 bits, so a 100 Mb per second connection moves at most 12.5 MB per second.

1 GB (decimal)

Is 1,000 MB, 1,000,000 KB or 8 gigabits.

1 TB drive

Shows as about 931 GB in an operating system that counts in 1,024s. Switch to Binary to see it.

Data storage unit comparison table

Unit name	Symbol	Description	Equals in bits (decimal)
Bit	b	Smallest unit of digital data	`1 bit`
Byte	B	Standard unit for storing a single character	`8 bits`
Kilobit	Kb	Commonly used for data transfer rates	`1,000 bits`
Kilobyte	KB	Small digital storage unit	`8,000 bits`
Megabit	Mb	Used for network speeds and streaming rates	`1,000,000 bits`
Megabyte	MB	Common for files, images, and documents	`8,000,000 bits`
Gigabit	Gb	Used in high-speed networking	`1,000,000,000 bits`
Gigabyte	GB	Standard for storage devices and large files	`8,000,000,000 bits`
Terabit	Tb	Used in large-scale data transmission	`1,000,000,000,000 bits`
Terabyte	TB	Common for hard drives and cloud storage	`8,000,000,000,000 bits`
Petabit	Pb	Used in enterprise-level networking	`1,000,000,000,000,000 bits`
Petabyte	PB	Used for large data centres and big data storage	`8,000,000,000,000,000 bits`

Helpful notes

Bits for speed

Bits are typically used to measure data transfer speeds.

Bytes for size

Bytes are used to measure file and storage sizes.

Case matters

Uppercase B (byte) and lowercase b (bit) are not the same: 1 B is 8 b.

Decimal or binary

Decimal (base-10) is standard for networking and storage marketing. In Binary mode each step is 1,024, so 1 KB is 8,192 bits.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a bit and a byte?

A bit is a single 0 or 1. A byte is 8 bits. Speeds are usually quoted in bits and file sizes in bytes.

How do I convert megabits to megabytes?

Divide by 8. A 400 Mb file or connection figure is 50 MB.

Why does my 1 TB drive show less than 1 TB?

Drive makers count in 1,000s, so 1 TB is 1,000,000,000,000 bytes. Many operating systems count in 1,024s and report about 931 GB. Switch Size system to Binary to see that figure.

What is the difference between decimal and binary sizes?

Decimal uses steps of 1,000 (kilo, mega, giga). Binary uses steps of 1,024. Strictly, the binary units are named KiB, MiB, GiB and so on, but they are still often written KB, MB and GB.

Can I type very large or very small numbers?

Yes. Any number is accepted, including scientific notation such as 2.5e12.

Is anything sent to a server?

No. The conversion is calculated in your browser as you type.

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