Data Storage Converter
Convert bits, bytes, and decimal (KB, MB, GB) or binary (KiB, MiB, GiB) storage units as you type.
Data Storage Converter converts in your browser.
Convert data sizes without mixing up 1,000 and 1,024
A new drive shows less space than the box promised, a file size is given in MiB but a limit in MB, or you need to know how many bits a file holds. Storage units come in two systems that look almost the same: decimal (SI) units such as the gigabyte count in powers of 1,000, and binary (IEC) units such as the gibibyte count in powers of 1,024. This converter keeps them as separate units, so 1 GB and 1 GiB are never treated as equal.
How to use the Data Storage Converter
- Type the size to convert. Decimals and thousands separators such as 1,500 are accepted.
- Choose the From and To units. Bits and bytes, Decimal (SI), and Binary (IEC) units are grouped separately in each list, and Swap units flips them.
- Read the result, the conversion factor, and the same size in every other unit. Copy Result copies the main conversion; Reset returns to 1 GB in GiB.
The method
result = value × (bytes per From unit) ÷ (bytes per To unit)
1 byte = 8 bits · 1 KB = 1,000 bytes · 1 KiB = 1,024 bytes
1 GB = 1,000³ bytes · 1 GiB = 1,024³ bytes
Every unit is defined as an exact number of bytes: a bit is one eighth of a byte, decimal units are powers of 1,000 (KB through PB), and binary units are powers of 1,024 (KiB through PiB). The gap between the two systems grows with each step — about 2.4% at kilo, 7.4% at giga, and 10% at tera.
| From | To |
|---|---|
| 1 B | 8 bit |
| 1 KB | 1,000 B |
| 1 KiB | 1,024 B |
| 1 GB | 0.9313225746 GiB |
| 1 TB | 931.3225746 GiB |
| 500 GB | 465.6612873 GiB |
| 16 GiB | 17.17986918 GB |
Converted on your device
- The conversion runs in your browser as you type; nothing is sent to a server.
- The values you enter and the results are not sent to Looty Tools or stored.
- The converter area is masked from session-recording analytics, so what you enter isn’t captured in recordings.
Limitations
- It converts amounts of data, not transfer speeds such as megabits per second.
- It can’t tell which system a label on a device or in an app really uses. Many programs divide by 1,024 but still display “KB”, “MB”, or “GB”.
- Kilobit, megabit, and similar bit multiples are not included; convert to bits and bytes instead.
- Real usable space is also reduced by formatting, file-system overhead, and reserved areas, which no unit conversion can predict.
- Results are shown to up to 10 significant digits; very large or very small results switch to scientific notation.
Related tools
- Percentage Change CalculatorMeasure the percent change between two numbers.
- Time Unit ConverterConvert seconds, minutes, hours, and days.
Guides
- KB vs. KiB, GB vs. GiBDecimal (SI) and binary (IEC) storage prefixes side by side, how far apart they drift at each size, and which devices and software use which.
- Bits vs. BytesWhat a bit and a byte are, why a byte is 8 bits, the b and B symbols, and why internet speeds use bits while file sizes use bytes.
- Why 1 TB Shows 931 GBWhy a 1 TB drive appears as about 931 GB on some computers, a table of common drive sizes in binary units, and the other things that use up space.
Data Storage Converter FAQ
- What is the difference between a GB and a GiB?
- A gigabyte (GB) is 1,000,000,000 bytes — a decimal SI unit. A gibibyte (GiB) is 1,073,741,824 bytes, which is 1,024³. So 1 GB is about 0.9313225746 GiB, and 1 GiB is about 1.073741824 GB.
- Is a kilobyte 1,000 or 1,024 bytes?
- In the SI and IEC standards a kilobyte (KB) is 1,000 bytes, and 1,024 bytes is a kibibyte (KiB). Some software, including Windows File Explorer, still labels 1,024-based sizes “KB”, “MB”, and “GB”; this converter keeps the two systems separate.
- How many bits are in a byte?
- Eight. So 1 KB is 8,000 bits and 1 KiB is 8,192 bits.
- Why does a 1 TB drive show about 931 GB?
- The drive holds 1,000,000,000,000 bytes, which is about 931.3225746 GiB. A system that divides by 1,024 but still shows the “GB” label reports that as roughly 931 GB. Formatting and reserved space can take a little more.
- Can it convert internet speeds such as Mbps?
- No. It converts amounts of data. Network speeds are amounts per second and are usually quoted in bits (megabits per second), which is a different measurement.
- Which should I use, decimal or binary units?
- Use whichever matches the number you are reading. Drive and memory-card packaging uses decimal units; memory sizes and many operating-system and technical tools use binary ones. When in doubt, check whether the source divides by 1,000 or 1,024.
- Are the values I convert sent anywhere?
- No. The conversion runs in your browser as you type. The values you enter and the results are not sent to Looty Tools or stored, and the converter area is masked from session-recording analytics. Refreshing the page resets it.
