Convert Bits, Bytes, MB, GB, TB and Beyond
Whether you are checking if a video will fit on a pen drive, comparing cloud storage plans, or figuring out how long a download will take, you need to move between units like megabytes, gigabytes and terabytes. This converter supports eight units from bits up to exabytes and uses the 1,024-based binary standard that Windows and most software use to report file sizes.
How to Use the Data Storage Converter
- Enter an amount in the From Amount box.
- Choose the unit you have, for example Gigabyte (GB).
- Choose the unit you want in the To Result box.
- The result appears instantly, along with the standard relationship between the two units. Use Copy Result to save it.
Data Storage Units (Binary)
| Unit | Equals |
|---|---|
| 1 Byte (B) | 8 bits |
| 1 Kilobyte (KB) | 1,024 bytes |
| 1 Megabyte (MB) | 1,024 KB |
| 1 Gigabyte (GB) | 1,024 MB |
| 1 Terabyte (TB) | 1,024 GB |
| 1 Petabyte (PB) | 1,024 TB |
| 1 Exabyte (EB) | 1,024 PB |
Binary (1,024) vs Decimal (1,000)
Computers work in binary, so memory naturally comes in powers of two: 210 = 1,024. For decades, “kilobyte” meant 1,024 bytes. Hard drive and pen drive makers, however, use the decimal system, where “kilo” means exactly 1,000 — just like kilometre or kilogram.
| Advertised size | Bytes (decimal) | Shown in Windows |
|---|---|---|
| 32 GB pen drive | 32,000,000,000 | ≈ 29.8 GB |
| 256 GB SSD | 256,000,000,000 | ≈ 238 GB |
| 1 TB hard drive | 1,000,000,000,000 | ≈ 931 GB |
Nothing is missing — it is the same number of bytes counted in two ways. (Phones and formatted drives also reserve some space for the system, which reduces usable storage further.)
Bits vs Bytes: Internet Speed and Downloads
Internet plans are sold in megabits per second (Mbps), but file sizes are in megabytes (MB). Divide the speed by 8 to get megabytes per second:
- 100 Mbps ÷ 8 = 12.5 MB/s
- A 2 GB file (2,048 MB) takes about 2,048 ÷ 12.5 ≈ 164 seconds, or under 3 minutes, in ideal conditions.
Real speeds are usually lower due to Wi-Fi quality, server limits and network congestion.
How Much Can You Store?
| Content | Typical size | Approx. per 64 GB |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone photo | 3 MB | ~21,000 photos |
| MP3 song (4 min) | 4 MB | ~16,000 songs |
| 1 minute of 1080p video | 130 MB | ~8 hours |
| 1 minute of 4K video | 350 MB | ~3 hours |
These figures are estimates; actual sizes depend on your device and quality settings.
Related Tools
- Text to Binary — see how each character becomes 8 bits.
- Base64 Encoder / Decoder — encode data for safe transfer.
- Percentage Calculator — work out how much of your storage is used.