Data storage converter
Bytes, KB, MB, GB, TB… in an instant.
- Instant
- Free
- Private (processed locally)
- No sign-up
Understanding storage units
All computer data is measured in bytes. A byte is 8 bits (each bit being a 0 or a 1). As volumes grow, we use multiples: kilobyte (KB), megabyte (MB), gigabyte (GB), terabyte (TB)…
An important subtlety: in computing, these multiples go by 1024 (2¹⁰), not 1000. This is why there is a gap between a drive’s advertised capacity and what your computer displays.
How to use the converter
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Enter a value
For example 1024.
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Choose the units
Select the starting and target units.
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Read the result
The conversion appears instantly; the ↔ button swaps the units.
Units table (base 1024)
| Unit | Symbol | Equals | In bytes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Byte | B | 8 bits | 1 |
| Kilobyte | KB | 1024 bytes | 1,024 |
| Megabyte | MB | 1024 KB | 1,048,576 |
| Gigabyte | GB | 1024 MB | 1,073,741,824 |
| Terabyte | TB | 1024 GB | 1,099,511,627,776 |
| Petabyte | PB | 1024 TB | 1,125,899,906,842,624 |
Binary (1024) or decimal (1000)?
Standards distinguish binary units (KiB, MiB, GiB… in powers of 1024) from decimal units (KB, MB, GB… in powers of 1000). In practice, memory and operating systems think in 1024, while drive manufacturers advertise in 1000.
Real-world examples
- A text document: a few KB.
- A smartphone photo: 3 to 5 MB.
- An HD movie: 1 to 4 GB.
- A common SSD: 500 GB to 2 TB.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a bit and a byte?
The bit is the smallest unit of information (0 or 1). A byte groups 8 bits. File sizes are measured in bytes, while internet speeds are often in bits per second.
What is the difference between KB and KiB?
The “decimal” kilobyte (KB) is 1000 bytes, while the “binary” kibibyte (KiB) is 1024 bytes. This tool uses the binary base (1024), the most common for memory and operating systems.
Why does my “1 TB” drive show less space?
Manufacturers count in base 1000 (1 TB = 1,000,000,000,000 bytes), while the operating system displays in base 1024. As a result, a “1 TB” drive appears as about 931 GiB.
How many photos fit in 1 GB?
It depends on resolution. At roughly 3–5 MB per smartphone photo, 1 GB holds approximately 200 to 350 photos.
Should I write MB or MiB?
MB (megabyte) usually refers to the decimal unit, MiB (mebibyte) to the binary one. In everyday use MB often means 1024-based; this tool is explicit about using 1024.
Is my data sent online?
No. The conversion is performed locally in your browser.