Data Storage Converter
Convert between bits, bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes, and petabytes.
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How to use this calculator
- 1
Enter the data size value you want to convert.
- 2
Select the unit you are converting from (e.g. gigabytes).
- 3
Select the target unit (e.g. megabytes).
- 4
The result is calculated instantly.
Frequently asked questions
How many megabytes are in a gigabyte?
One gigabyte (GB) equals 1,024 megabytes (MB) in binary (base-2), which is how computers measure storage. Some manufacturers use 1 GB = 1,000 MB (decimal) for marketing purposes.
How many bytes are in a megabyte?
One megabyte equals 1,048,576 bytes (2²⁰) in binary. In decimal (SI), 1 MB = 1,000,000 bytes.
What is the difference between GB and GiB?
GB (gigabyte) is ambiguous but often used to mean 10⁹ bytes (1,000,000,000). GiB (gibibyte) is precisely 2³⁰ bytes (1,073,741,824). Operating systems often report sizes in GiB but label them GB, which is why a "1 TB" drive shows as less than 1,000 GB on your computer.
How many GB is 1 TB?
One terabyte equals 1,024 gigabytes (binary) or 1,000 gigabytes (decimal/SI). Hard drive manufacturers use the decimal definition, so a 1 TB drive contains 1,000 GB in the manufacturer's labelling.
How many bits are in a byte?
There are exactly 8 bits in one byte. This is a fixed standard in computing and networking.
Data storage units explained
Binary vs decimal storage measurements
Computers work in binary (base-2), so storage is naturally measured in powers of 2: 1 KB = 1,024 bytes, 1 MB = 1,048,576 bytes. The SI system uses powers of 10: 1 KB = 1,000 bytes. This discrepancy causes confusion — a 500 GB hard drive (500 × 10⁹ bytes) appears as about 465 GB on a Mac or Windows PC, which reports in binary.
Key data storage conversions
1 byte = 8 bits | 1 KB = 1,024 bytes | 1 MB = 1,024 KB = 1,048,576 bytes | 1 GB = 1,024 MB | 1 TB = 1,024 GB | 1 PB = 1,024 TB.
Real-world file size reference
A typical photo (JPEG): 2–5 MB. A three-minute MP3: ~3–5 MB. A 4K movie: 50–100 GB. An hour of HD video: ~1–2 GB. A text document: 10–100 KB. Smartphone apps: 50 MB–2 GB. Knowing these helps you estimate storage needs.
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Results are estimates for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional financial, medical, legal, or technical advice. Read full disclaimer →