Data Converter

Data Unit Converter Guide

File sizes, storage devices and cloud plans are all described in units such as megabytes, gigabytes and terabytes, but those units can mean slightly different amounts depending on who is measuring. This Data Converter converts between bits, bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes and petabytes, and lets you choose between the binary (1,024) and decimal (1,000) standards.

Enter a value, pick its unit and the standard, and the converter shows the same amount in every unit at once. It is useful for checking file sizes, comparing storage plans, and understanding why a drive shows less space than its label says.

How Digital Data is Measured

1. Bits vs. Bytes

A bit (b) is the smallest unit of data, a 0 or a 1. A byte (B) is 8 bits. File sizes are usually given in bytes (MB, GB), while internet connection speeds are usually given in bits per second (Mbps).

2. Kilobytes, Megabytes and Gigabytes

These are the everyday units for documents, photos, apps and videos. Each step up multiplies by 1,024 in the binary standard, or by 1,000 in the decimal standard.

3. Terabytes and Petabytes

Terabytes are common for hard drives, SSDs and backups. Petabytes (1,024 or 1,000 terabytes) are used for very large storage systems.

Binary (1,024) vs. Decimal (1,000)

The converter supports both standards:

• Binary: 1 KB = 1,024 bytes. Windows reports file and drive sizes this way and labels them KB, MB and GB. The IEC standard calls these units kibibytes (KiB), mebibytes (MiB) and gibibytes (GiB) to avoid confusion.
• Decimal (SI): 1 KB = 1,000 bytes. Storage manufacturers use this standard, as does macOS, and network speeds are quoted in decimal bits (1 Mbps = 1,000,000 bits per second).

Result = Value × (Source Unit in Bytes ÷ Target Unit in Bytes)

Where a unit in bytes is 1 for bytes, 1/8 for bits, and Baseⁿ for KB, MB, GB, TB and PB (n = 1 to 5), with Base = 1,024 or 1,000.

How to Use the Data Converter

1. Enter the value you want to convert, for example 500.
2. Choose the source unit, for example Megabytes.
3. Choose the measurement standard: binary (1,024) or decimal (1,000).
4. Read the results. The same amount is shown in every unit and updates as you type. Very large or very small numbers are shown in scientific notation, such as 9.536743164e-7.

Examples (Calculated With This Converter)

Enter	Standard	Result
1 GB	Binary	1,024 MB
1 GB	Decimal	1,000 MB
1 MB	Binary	8,388,608 bits
500,000,000,000 bytes (a "500 GB" drive)	Binary	465.6612873 GB
1,000,000,000,000 bytes (a "1 TB" drive)	Binary	931.3225746 GB
80,000,000 bits	Decimal	10 MB
1 PB	Decimal	1,000 TB

Common Data Unit Reference

Unit	Abbreviation	Binary Equivalent	Decimal Equivalent
Kilobyte	KB	1,024 bytes	1,000 bytes
Megabyte	MB	1,024 KB	1,000 KB
Gigabyte	GB	1,024 MB	1,000 MB
Terabyte	TB	1,024 GB	1,000 GB
Petabyte	PB	1,024 TB	1,000 TB