Byte Converter
Convert between data units.
Input
Result
What is a Byte Converter Calculator?
A Byte Converter converts between different digital data units such as bytes, kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), gigabytes (GB), terabytes (TB), and petabytes (PB). It is useful for understanding file sizes, storage capacity, and data transfer amounts.
How to convert data units manually (the formula)
For binary (base-2): divide by 1024 to go up (bytes → KB) or multiply by 1024 to go down (GB → MB). For decimal (base-10): divide or multiply by 1000. The formulas: KB = bytes ÷ 1024, MB = KB ÷ 1024, GB = MB ÷ 1024, TB = GB ÷ 1024.
Example calculation
Convert 5,242,880 bytes to MB (binary): 5,242,880 ÷ 1024 = 5120 KB, then 5120 ÷ 1024 = 5 MB. In decimal: 5,242,880 ÷ 1000 = 5242.88 KB ÷ 1000 = 5.24288 MB.
Common mistakes
- Mixing binary and decimal prefixes — Hard drive manufacturers use decimal (1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes), while operating systems use binary (1 GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes). This causes apparent size discrepancies.
- Using wrong conversion factors — 1 MB = 1,024 KB (binary), not 1,000 KB. Using 1000 gives incorrect results for binary conversions.
- Confusing bits and bytes — 1 byte = 8 bits. Network speeds are often in bits per second (Mbps), while file sizes are in bytes (MB).
Frequently asked questions
What data units are supported?
Bytes, KB, MB, GB, TB, and PB.
How many bytes are in a kilobyte?
1 KB = 1,024 bytes (binary) or 1,000 bytes (decimal).
What is the difference between a megabyte and a gigabyte?
1 GB = 1,024 MB (binary).
Is the conversion based on binary or decimal?
You can choose between binary (base-2) and decimal (base-10).
Is this free?
Yes, completely free.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes, works on any device.