Digital storage converter
Convert between bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes and terabytes. This calculator uses a factor of 1024 between each step; storage standards and device labels may use decimal units instead.
Examples
- 500 MB ÷ 1024 = 0.4883 GB with this calculator.
- 2 GB × 1024 = 2,048 MB.
- 1 TB × 1024 = 1,024 GB.
Binary and decimal units
This calculator uses 1,024-based steps: 1,024 bytes per step from KB to MB, GB and TB. SI prefixes are decimal (1 kB = 1,000 bytes); IEC binary units use KiB, MiB, GiB and TiB (1 KiB = 1,024 bytes). Drive makers commonly advertise decimal capacity, while operating systems may display binary amounts using familiar labels. The displayed number can therefore differ without any bytes being missing.
When to use this converter
- Compare sizes in storage plans and device specifications, while checking whether the provider uses decimal or binary units.
- Estimate space for files, logs and backups; this conversion does not estimate download time.
- Keep the same unit convention when comparing cloud plans or storage devices.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a 1 TB drive show a smaller number in my computer?
Manufacturers commonly use decimal terabytes (1 TB = 1,000,000,000,000 bytes). Some systems divide by 1,024 and may display the binary result with a TB or GB label. The unit convention explains the difference.
Is KB the same as KiB?
No. SI kilobyte (kB) is 1,000 bytes; IEC kibibyte (KiB) is 1,024 bytes. This calculator uses 1,024 steps but keeps the familiar KB labels.
Does this convert storage into download time?
No. Download time also depends on the connection rate, overhead and network conditions.