How do I convert MB to GB?

Enter the value, select MB as the source unit and GB as the target unit, and the converter instantly shows the equivalent size in both decimal (1000-based) and binary (1024-based) units.

How many megabytes are in a gigabyte?

It depends on the counting system. In the decimal system used by storage manufacturers, 1 GB equals 1000 MB. In the binary system used by operating systems, 1 GiB equals 1024 MiB. This converter shows both so there is no confusion.

Why does my 500 GB drive show less space in Windows?

Drive makers sell capacity in decimal gigabytes (1000 based), while Windows reports in binary gibibytes (1024 based) but still labels them GB. A 500 GB drive therefore shows as about 465 GB in Windows, even though no space is actually missing.

How many bits are in a byte?

There are exactly 8 bits in a byte. That is why internet speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) divide by roughly 8 to get download speeds in megabytes per second (MB/s).

Which system should I use?

Use decimal when comparing advertised drive sizes, cloud plans and internet speeds. Use binary when matching what your operating system reports for files and free space.

CALCULATORS · FREE ONLINE TOOL

Data Storage Converter

Convert bits, bytes, KB, MB, GB, TB and PB in both counting systemsBuy a 1 TB drive, plug it in, and the computer reports about 931 GB. Nothing is broken; the maker counts decimal terabytes while the OS counts binary ones. This converter untangles the confusion between bits, bytes and everything up to petabytes.

✓ Free to use✓ No sign-up✓ Ready in your browser

// DATA STORAGE CONVERTER · GET STARTED

Use Data Storage Converter

Convert bits, bytes, KB, MB, GB, TB and PB in both counting systems

Value

Unit

Decimal (powers of 1000)

Used by drive makers, cloud plans and internet speeds. 1 KB = 1000 bytes.

8,000,000,000 Bit (bit)

1,000,000,000 Byte (B)

1,000,000 Kilobyte (KB)

1,000 Megabyte (MB)

1 Gigabyte (GB)

1.0000e-3 Terabyte (TB)

1.0000e-6 Petabyte (PB)

Binary (powers of 1024)

Used by operating systems for files and free space. 1 KiB = 1024 bytes.

8,589,934,592 Bit

1,073,741,824 Byte

1,048,576 Kibibyte (KiB)

1,024 Mebibyte (MiB)

1 Gibibyte (GiB)

9.7656e-4 Tebibyte (TiB)

9.5367e-7 Pebibyte (PiB)

// DATA STORAGE CONVERTER · HOW IT WORKS

How to use the Data Storage Converter

Enter a value

Type a value and choose its unit, from bit up to petabyte.

Read decimal results

Read the converted value in every unit for the decimal (1000) system.

Compare binary results

Compare with the binary (1024) table shown next to it.

// DATA STORAGE CONVERTER · ABOUT THIS TOOL

About the Data Storage Converter

Storage numbers are confusing because two counting systems share the same names: manufacturers count in powers of 1000, while operating systems count in powers of 1024.

This converter puts both systems side by side for every unit from bits to petabytes, using the proper binary names (KiB, MiB, GiB).

Where it helps most

One language for file sizes, drives and speeds.

Storage shopping

Knowing that your 512 GB phone holds closer to 476 binary gigabytes changes what 'enough space' really means before you buy.

Cloud planning

Add up photo libraries and video projects in mixed units and see whether they fit your drive or cloud plan.

Bandwidth math

Translate a 4 GB movie into gigabits to estimate download time on your actual connection speed before you begin, with no guesswork.

Settling speed debates

A 100 Mbps connection downloads at about 12.5 MB per second; the converter proves whether it is slow or exactly as fast as physics allows.

Converting well

The distinctions that trip people up.

Bits versus bytes

Internet speeds are sold in megabits per second while downloads are measured in megabytes, which is why a '100 Mbps' line downloads at about 12.5 MB per second.

Decimal versus binary

Decimal units step at 1000x while binary units step at 1024x, which is why drive labels and operating systems never agree.

MB versus MiB

The quiet MB versus MiB split that operating systems and drive makers disagree on, finally made visible side by side.