💾 Digital Storage Converter
Convert between different digital storage units including bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes, petabytes, and binary equivalents (KiB, MiB, GiB). Perfect for file sizes, storage capacity, and data transfer calculations.
💾 Digital Storage Units Reference
Bit
b
Byte
B
Kilobyte
KB
Megabyte
MB
Gigabyte
GB
Terabyte
TB
Petabyte
PB
Kibibyte
KiB
Mebibyte
MiB
Gibibyte
GiB
Table of Contents
What is a Data Converter?
A data converter is a tool that converts digital data storage measurements from one unit to another. Whether you need to convert bytes to kilobytes, gigabytes to terabytes, or megabytes to bits, a data converter makes these calculations instant and accurate.
Data conversions are essential in computing, technology, and digital storage. Understanding file sizes, storage capacities, and data transfer rates requires converting between different data units.
Our data converter supports 9 different units from bits to exabytes, handling everything from tiny file sizes to massive storage capacities. The converter uses both binary (1024-based) and decimal (1000-based) systems to match industry standards.
How it Works
Our data converter uses precise conversion factors to accurately transform values between different data storage units:
- Select Units: Choose the source unit and target unit from the dropdowns
- Enter Value: Input the data size you want to convert
- Instant Results: The conversion is calculated automatically in real-time
- Swap Units: Click the swap button to reverse the conversion direction
The converter works by first converting to a base unit (bytes), then converting to the target unit. All conversions use standard binary (1024-based) relationships for consistency with computer systems.
Supported Units
Small Data Units
- Bit (b) - Smallest unit (1/8 byte)
- Byte (B) - Base unit (8 bits)
- Kilobyte (KB) - 1,024 bytes
- Megabyte (MB) - 1,024 KB
- Gigabyte (GB) - 1,024 MB
Large Data Units
- Terabyte (TB) - 1,024 GB
- Petabyte (PB) - 1,024 TB
- Exabyte (EB) - 1,024 PB
Note: Data storage uses binary (base-2) conversions where 1 KB = 1,024 bytes, not 1,000 bytes. This matches how computers actually store and process data.
Common Use Cases
- File Management: Convert file sizes to understand storage requirements and compare file sizes
- Storage Planning: Convert storage capacities to plan disk space, cloud storage, and backup requirements
- Network & Bandwidth: Convert data transfer rates and bandwidth measurements between different units
- System Administration: Convert disk usage, memory sizes, and system resource measurements
- Cloud Computing: Convert storage quotas, data transfer limits, and service capacities
- Media & Entertainment: Convert video file sizes, image sizes, and media storage requirements
- Education: Help students understand data storage concepts and practice conversions
Conversion Examples
Gigabytes to Megabytes
1 GB = 1,024 MB
Example: A 16 GB USB drive holds 16,384 MB. A 500 GB hard drive has 512,000 MB of capacity.
Terabytes to Gigabytes
1 TB = 1,024 GB
Example: A 2 TB external drive has 2,048 GB of storage. A 1 TB cloud storage plan provides 1,024 GB.
Bytes to Kilobytes
1 KB = 1,024 bytes
Example: A 5,120 byte file is 5 KB. A 1,048,576 byte file is 1,024 KB (1 MB).
Megabytes to Bits
1 MB = 8,388,608 bits
Example: A 10 MB file contains 83,886,080 bits. Useful for understanding network transfer calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Computers use binary (base-2) numbering, so storage is measured in powers of 2. 2^10 = 1,024, which is close to 1,000. This binary system is used by operating systems and storage devices. Some storage manufacturers use decimal (1,000) for marketing, but actual computer systems use binary (1,024).
A bit is the smallest unit of data (0 or 1). A byte is 8 bits. Bytes are used for storage and file sizes, while bits are often used for data transfer rates (like "100 Mbps" for internet speed). Always check the unit - "MB" means megabytes (storage), while "Mbps" means megabits per second (speed).
No. All conversions happen entirely in your browser. We don't store, log, or transmit any values you enter. Your calculations are completely private.