TRENES

Data Storage Converter

Convert digital storage between bits, bytes, KB, MB, GB, TB and PB (binary, 1024-based).

Written by Ahmet Tur · Reviewed by Kübra Yıldız · Updated

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Digital storage is measured in a ladder of units — bits, bytes, and kilo/mega/giga/tera multiples — and knowing how many megabytes are in a gigabyte, or how a file size compares to a drive's capacity, comes up constantly. This converter moves between every unit instantly.

Enter a value, pick the units, and the converted size appears at once.

Data Storage Converter: step-by-step worked example

How many MB is a 3 GB file?

Example inputs
Value
3
From
Gigabytes (GB)
To
Megabytes (MB)
  1. 1

    Binary (1024) base

    1 KB = 1,024 bytes, each step up is × 1,024; 1 byte = 8 bits

    1 GB = 1,073,741,824 B · 1 MB = 1,048,576 B = 1,073,741,824 B

  2. 2

    Convert to bytes

    Bytes = Value × source factor

    3 × 1,073,741,824 = 3,221,225,472 B

  3. 3

    Convert to the target unit

    Result = Bytes ÷ target factor

    3,221,225,472 ÷ 1,048,576 = 3,072 MB

  4. 4

    Compare with the decimal (SI) base

    Drive makers use 1 kB = 1,000 bytes: Result = Value × 1000ⁿ¹ ÷ 1000ⁿ²

    = 3,000 MB

Result · Converted value3,072 MB
The same value: binary vs decimal base
  • Binary 1024 (MB) — this tool3,072
  • Decimal 1000 (MB) — manufacturers3,000

Good to know: “Why does a 1 TB drive show 931 GB?” Makers sell 10¹² bytes; the OS divides by 1,024³: 10¹² ÷ 1,024³ ≈ 931. The gap grows with the unit (2.4% at KB, 10% at TB).

Data Storage Converter — how it works

The units

  • Bit: the smallest unit — a single 0 or 1. 8 bits = 1 byte.
  • Byte: one character of text. The base unit for file sizes.
  • KB, MB, GB, TB, PB: each step up is 1,024× the previous, in the binary system this tool uses.
UnitBytes
1 KB1,024
1 MB1,048,576 (1,024²)
1 GB1,073,741,824 (1,024³)
1 TB1,024 GB

Binary (1024) vs decimal (1000)

There are two conventions, and they cause real confusion: - Binary (1024-based): what operating systems report — 1 GB = 1,024 MB. This tool uses binary. - Decimal (1000-based): what drive manufacturers use — 1 GB = 1,000 MB. It's why a "1 TB" drive shows as ~931 GB in your OS.

The technically correct binary names are KiB, MiB, GiB, but everyday usage still says KB, MB, GB — which is the convention here.

Bits vs bytes

Watch the case: b is bits, B is bytes. Internet speeds are quoted in megabits per second (Mbps), while file sizes are in megabytes (MB). Since 1 byte = 8 bits, a 100 Mbps connection downloads at about 12.5 MB/s.

Where it helps

  • Comparing a file size to a drive or upload limit
  • Understanding why a drive shows less capacity than advertised
  • Converting a download speed (bits) to a transfer rate (bytes)

Worked example

How many megabytes is a 1 GB file? In the binary system, 1 GB = 1,024 MB. So a 4 GB video is 4,096 MB. This is also why a drive sold as "1 TB" (1,000,000,000,000 bytes, decimal) shows as only about 931 GB in your operating system, which counts in 1,024s — the same bytes, two different unit conventions. And on the bits-vs-bytes point: 8 bits make 1 byte, so a 100 megabit-per-second (Mbps) internet plan transfers files at roughly 100 ÷ 8 = 12.5 megabytes per second.

Data storage conversion table

SizeEquals
1 KB1,024 byte
1 MB1,024 KB
1 GB1,024 MB
1 TB1,024 GB
1 PB1,024 TB
500 MB0.49 GB
4.7 GB (DVD)4,812.8 MB
256 GB262,144 MB
2 TB2,048 GB

1 KB = 1,024 bytes (binary).

Frequently asked questions

How many MB are in a GB?+

1,024 MB in the binary system operating systems use (1 GB = 1,024³ bytes). In the decimal system drive makers use, 1 GB = 1,000 MB. This tool uses the binary 1,024-based convention.

Why does my 1 TB drive show as 931 GB?+

The drive is 1 TB in decimal (1,000,000,000,000 bytes), but your OS counts in binary (1,024s), so it shows ~931 GB. Same bytes, different unit convention — no storage is missing.

What is the difference between bits and bytes?+

8 bits make 1 byte. Bits (lowercase b) measure data speed (Mbps); bytes (uppercase B) measure file size (MB). A 100 Mbps connection is about 12.5 MB/s.

What is binary vs decimal storage?+

Binary counts in 1,024s (1 GB = 1,024 MB) — used by operating systems. Decimal counts in 1,000s — used by drive manufacturers. The strictly correct binary names are KiB, MiB, GiB.

How do I convert internet speed to download time?+

Convert the speed from bits to bytes (÷ 8), then divide the file size by that. A 1 GB file on a 100 Mbps (12.5 MB/s) line takes about 1,024 ÷ 12.5 ≈ 82 seconds.

How big is a petabyte?+

1 PB = 1,024 TB = over a million GB. Petabytes are used for very large datasets and data-centre storage — far beyond everyday file sizes.

About this page

Publisher:
Kalkoro — Teknolojig Bilişim Teknolojileri A.Ş., İstanbul
Written by:
Ahmet Tur — Editor (Math, date & time, unit conversion, physics & chemistry, everyday tools)
Reviewed by:
Kübra Yıldız — Editor

Parameters come from official sources; the last update date is shown at the bottom of the page.

Spotted a wrong result? Use the "Report a bug" button at the top of the page; every report is reviewed.

How we calculate and our accuracy policy →

Results are for information only. For official matters the relevant authority's calculation prevails.

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