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Guide

How to Convert Between Bytes, KB, MB, GB and TB

Learn the binary (1024) vs decimal (1000) conventions for digital storage and how to convert between units accurately.

Open the Data Storage Converter

A data storage converter translates digital storage sizes between bits, bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes, and petabytes. The key gotcha is the convention: binary (1024) or decimal (1000).

Binary vs. decimal convention

Computers traditionally use binary units where each step multiplies by 1024: 1 KB = 1024 bytes, 1 MB = 1024 KB. Storage manufacturers often use decimal units where each step multiplies by 1000, which is why a "500 GB" hard drive shows fewer gigabytes in the operating system. The binary terms kibibyte (KiB), mebibyte (MiB) etc. were coined to remove the ambiguity.

Key conversion factors (binary)

  • 1 byte = 8 bits.
  • 1 KB = 1024 bytes; 1 MB = 1024 KB.
  • 1 GB = 1024 MB; 1 TB = 1024 GB.
  • 1 PB = 1024 TB.

How to use the converter

  1. Enter a value and choose its unit.
  2. Choose the target unit.
  3. Read the converted size.

Examples

5 GB = 5120 MB = 5,242,880 KB (binary). A 4.7 GB DVD holds about 4.37 GiB in binary terms — the gap is the convention difference, not lost capacity. A 50 MB email attachment is 0.0488 GB.

When a data storage converter is useful

  • Comparing file sizes and storage capacity.
  • Understanding why a drive shows less than its label.
  • Estimating how many files fit on a device.
  • Converting bandwidth or backup figures.

Put it into practice

Use the Data Storage Converter right now — free, in your browser, no sign-up required.

Try the Data Storage Converter

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