Data Storage Converter
Convert between bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes, and petabytes instantly.
How to Use the Data Storage Converter
- Enter the data size value you want to convert in the input field.
- Select the source unit from the From dropdown (e.g., Megabytes, Gigabytes, Terabytes).
- Select the target unit from the To dropdown.
- Toggle between Binary (1024) and Decimal (1000) base systems using the checkbox.
- The result updates automatically as you type or change selections.
Formula & Method
Decimal (Base 1000):
- 1 KB = 1,000 bytes
- 1 MB = 1,000,000 bytes
- 1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes
- 1 TB = 1,000,000,000,000 bytes
Binary (Base 1024):
- 1 KiB = 1,024 bytes
- 1 MiB = 1,048,576 bytes
- 1 GiB = 1,073,741,824 bytes
- 1 TiB = 1,099,511,627,776 bytes
Conversion Formula:Result = Input Value x (Source Unit in Bytes / Target Unit in Bytes)
Bits to Bytes:1 byte = 8 bits
Examples
| From | To | Decimal Result | Binary Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | MB | 1,000 MB | 1,024 MiB |
| 500 MB | GB | 0.5 GB | 0.477 GiB |
| 2 TB | GB | 2,000 GB | 1,953.13 GiB |
| 1,048,576 bytes | MB | 1.049 MB | 1 MiB |
| 8 bits | bytes | 1 byte | 1 byte |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between MB and MiB?
MB (megabyte) uses the decimal system where 1 MB = 1,000,000 bytes. MiB (mebibyte) uses the binary system where 1 MiB = 1,048,576 bytes (1024 x 1024). Storage manufacturers typically use decimal (MB), while operating systems often display binary (MiB), which is why a 500 GB drive shows as ~465 GiB in Windows.
Why does my hard drive show less capacity than advertised?
Hard drive manufacturers use decimal (base 1000) where 1 TB = 1,000,000,000,000 bytes. Operating systems use binary (base 1024) where 1 TiB = 1,099,511,627,776 bytes. So a 1 TB drive shows as approximately 931 GiB. This is normal and not a defect.
How many bytes in a kilobyte?
It depends on the context. In decimal (SI units), 1 KB = 1,000 bytes. In binary (IEC units), 1 KiB = 1,024 bytes. Most modern standards recommend using KB for 1000 and KiB for 1024 to avoid confusion.
What is a petabyte?
A petabyte (PB) is 1,000 terabytes or 1,000,000,000,000,000 bytes in decimal. In binary, a pebibyte (PiB) is 1,125,899,906,842,624 bytes. Large data centers and cloud storage providers work with petabyte-scale storage.
People Also Ask
How many MB in a GB?
In decimal (base 1000), there are 1,000 MB in 1 GB. In binary (base 1024), there are 1,024 MiB in 1 GiB. Most storage manufacturers use decimal, while operating systems display binary values.
How many GB in a TB?
In decimal, 1 TB = 1,000 GB. In binary, 1 TiB = 1,024 GiB. A 1 TB hard drive will show approximately 931 GiB in Windows because Windows uses binary calculations.
What is bigger, a megabyte or a gigabyte?
A gigabyte (GB) is 1,000 times larger than a megabyte (MB). 1 GB = 1,000 MB in decimal, or 1 GiB = 1,024 MiB in binary.
How many bytes in a megabyte?
1 MB = 1,000,000 bytes (decimal). 1 MiB = 1,048,576 bytes (binary). The difference is about 4.9%.