๐พ Data Size Converter
Convert between bits, bytes, KB, MB, GB, TB, and binary prefixes (KiB, MiB, etc.) in real time โ handy for checking file sizes, storage capacity, or estimating download times.
How to use
- Enter a value into any data size field (bit, Byte, KB, MB, GB, TB, KiB, MiB, etc.).
- The other unit fields update with the converted value in real time.
- Enter and compare values in both SI units (base 1000) and binary prefixes (base 1024).
How the calculation works
Data sizes come in two families. SI prefixes step up by 1,000: KB, MB, GB, TB, with 1KB = 1,000 bytes. Binary prefixes step up by 1,024: KiB, MiB, GiB, TiB, with 1KiB = 1,024 bytes. Because computers work in binary, 1,024 (2 to the 10th) was long called a "kilo" out of convenience. To clear up the ambiguity, the International Electrotechnical Commission introduced the binary prefixes in 1998 โ though some operating systems still label GiB values as "GB" today. One byte is eight bits. File sizes are usually quoted in bytes and connection speeds in bits per second, so watch for that factor of eight when estimating download times.
Worked example
A drive sold as "1TB", seen in binary prefixes 1TB = 1,000,000,000,000 bytes 1,000,000,000,000 รท 1,024ยณ โ 931.3 GiB That is why the computer reports "about 931GB" โ nothing is missing. Download estimate: a 1GB file over a 100Mbps connection takes 1,000,000,000 ร 8 รท 100,000,000 = 80 seconds. Protocol overhead makes the real time somewhat longer.
Things to be aware of
- Storage products are normally labelled in SI units. A different figure in your OS does not mean the drive is short.
- "Mbps" is megabits; "MB" is megabytes. Watch the difference between capital B and lower-case b.
- Usable space after formatting is lower again, because the file system reserves room for its own structures.
- RAM capacity is conventionally quoted in binary-prefix values.
FAQ
Is 1 KB equal to 1000 bytes or 1024 bytes?
It depends on the unit. SI units (KB, MB, GB) use base 1000, while binary prefixes (KiB, MiB, GiB) use base 1024. This tool supports both.
Can I use this to check my phone or PC storage?
Yes โ understanding the difference between decimal and binary units also helps explain why displayed storage capacity differs from formatted free space.
Why does my storage show less than what I paid for?
Manufacturers usually label capacity in SI units (base 1000), while operating systems often display it in GiB (base 1024). Comparing both values here shows exactly where the difference comes from.
Can this help estimate download time?
Checking a file size in MB or GB gives you a reference point you can combine with your connection speed to estimate roughly how long a download will take.
What's the difference between a bit and a byte?
One byte equals 8 bits. Connection speeds are often quoted in bits per second, so it's worth converting carefully when comparing against a file size in bytes.