Why is 1 GB = 1024 MB?

This is based on binary multiples (powers of 2). 2^10 = 1024. In computing, it is more efficient to organize memory in powers of two. The correct symbol for 1024 Bytes is KiB (Kibibyte), though 'KB' is often used colloquially.

Are bits and bytes the same?

No. 1 Byte (B) = 8 bits (b). Internet speeds are usually measured in bits (Mbps), while file sizes are measured in Bytes (MB). To download a 10 MB file at 10 Mbps, it takes 8 seconds, not 1.

Data Size Calculator

Convert between Bits, Bytes, Kilobytes, Megabytes, Gigabytes, Terabytes, and Petabytes. Understand the difference between decimal (KB) and binary (KiB) units.

How to Use This Data Size Calculator

1Enter the value you want to convert
2Select the 'From' unit (e.g., Gigabytes - GB)
3Select the 'To' unit (e.g., Megabytes - MB)
4View the result in both Decimal (Base 10) and Binary (Base 2) standards
5Copy the result instantly

Features

✓Supports units from bits (b) to Petabytes (PB)
✓Distinguishes between Decimal (GB) and Binary (GiB)
✓Instant real-time conversion
✓Helpful for calculating storage capacity and download speeds
✓Clean, ad-free interface

KB vs KiB: The Difference

Storage manufacturers use the Decimal system (Base 10), where 1 KB = 1000 Bytes. Operating systems like Windows use the Binary system (Base 2), where 1 KiB = 1024 Bytes. This is why a '500 GB' hard drive appears as '465 GB' on your computer.

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Data Size Calculator

Convert between Bits, Bytes, Kilobytes, Megabytes, Gigabytes, Terabytes, and Petabytes. Understand the difference between decimal (KB) and binary (KiB) units.