Data Storage Converter
Data Storage Converter distinguishes decimal KB, MB, GB, and TB from binary KiB, MiB, and GiB. Decimal prefixes use powers of 1000; binary prefixes use powers of 1024. All units are bytes rather than bits, and the page does not account for filesystem metadata, formatting, compression, replication, or advertised-versus-usable capacity.
Runs locally — files stay on your deviceWhat is the difference between 1 MB and 1 MiB?
1 MB is 1,000,000 bytes; 1 MiB is 1,048,576 bytes.
SI and IEC prefixes represent different multipliers
KB, MB, GB, and TB use 10³, 10⁶, 10⁹, and 10¹² bytes. KiB, MiB, and GiB use 2¹⁰, 2²⁰, and 2³⁰ bytes.
How it works
The selected unit maps to an exact byte factor. The converter multiplies by the source factor and divides by the target factor.
Key concepts
B and b differ
Uppercase B is byte; lowercase b commonly means bit.
Binary prefixes remove ambiguity
MiB explicitly means 2²⁰ bytes.
When to use it
- Explain storage-label differences.
- Convert file sizes between MB and MiB.
- Translate raw byte counts.
When not to use it
- Do not use byte units for network bit rates.
- Do not equate nominal device capacity with usable filesystem space.
- Do not expect compression or allocation overhead estimates.
Worked examples
Decimal megabyte
- Input
1 MB- Expected output
1,000,000 B
Mega is a decimal SI prefix.
Binary mebibyte
- Input
1 MiB- Expected output
1,048,576 B
Mebi is a power-of-two prefix.
GB to GiB
- Input
1 GB- Expected output
About 0.931323 GiB
The denominators differ.
Common mistakes
Using MB to mean MiB
That hides a measurable difference. Correction: Use the explicit prefix.
Mixing bits and bytes
Eight bits form one byte. Correction: Confirm symbol capitalization.
Expecting usable disk capacity
Filesystems and reserved regions consume space. Correction: Measure the formatted system separately.
Best practices
- Use IEC symbols for binary multiples.
- Label bit and byte values carefully.
- State whether capacity is nominal or usable.
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Limitations and privacy
- No bits, TiB, network rates, compression, or filesystem overhead.
- Numeric floating-point formatting applies.
- Does not inspect files or devices.
Values are converted locally in this browser and are not uploaded.
Frequently asked questions
How many bytes are in 1 MiB?
1,048,576.
How many bytes are in 1 MB?
1,000,000.
Is B the same as b?
No.
Does this show usable disk space?
No.