What is a data storage converter?
Convert bits and bytes using clear decimal SI prefixes and binary IEC prefixes such as KiB, MiB, GiB and TiB. It is designed for quick everyday and technical unit comparisons without requiring sign-up or server-side calculation.
How does this converter work?
The calculator converts the entered value through a common reference unit or an exact scale relationship, then converts that reference value to the selected target unit. Intermediate values are not rounded. This follows the general NIST approach of choosing an appropriate conversion factor, canceling units and rounding the final quantity rather than intermediate steps.
Which units are supported?
Bit, byte, kbit, Mbit, Gbit, kB, MB, GB, TB, PB, KiB, MiB, GiB, TiB and PiB.
Use the unit labels carefully when similar names can represent different systems. The selected units are always shown again in the result panel.
How do you use this data storage converter?
- Enter the numerical value you want to convert.
- Select the starting unit.
- Select the target unit, or use Swap Units to reverse them.
- Keep precision on Automatic or choose a significant-digit setting.
- Select Convert, then review the conversion relationship and result details.
Conversion example
1 GB is 1,000,000,000 bytes, while 1 GiB is 1,073,741,824 bytes. They are not the same unit.
Accuracy, definitions and rounding
Decimal SI prefixes use powers of 1000. Binary prefixes use powers of 1024. The calculator does not reinterpret an ambiguously labeled “GB” as “GiB.”
For important engineering, scientific, commercial or regulatory work, confirm that the unit definition, measurement uncertainty and required significant digits match the standards used in your application.
Bits, bytes and the two conventions used for storage size
Data quantities can use decimal prefixes or binary prefixes. Storage manufacturers commonly describe a kilobyte, megabyte or gigabyte with powers of 1,000, while operating systems and technical tools may display quantities based on powers of 1,024. Binary-prefixed units such as kibibytes and mebibytes make that second convention explicit. Select the convention that matches the source instead of assuming two similar labels represent identical byte counts.
Bits and bytes are also different: one byte contains eight bits. Network speeds are often stated in bits per second, whereas file sizes are usually shown in bytes, so converting a capacity alone does not predict download time. Protocol overhead, connection speed and changing network conditions also affect transfers. For backups or device capacity planning, leave room for formatting, system files and future data rather than treating the converted headline capacity as fully available space.
Frequently asked questions
Sources and methodology
The calculation relationships and explanatory notes are based on authoritative measurement references. Links open the original source so you can verify the unit definitions and conversion guidance.