Data Storage Converter
Convert data storage units: bytes, KB, MB, GB, TB and PB.
Data storage conversions between bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes, and beyond are essential for understanding file sizes, storage capacities, internet speeds, and memory specifications. This converter also distinguishes between binary (1 KB = 1,024 bytes, used by operating systems) and decimal (1 KB = 1,000 bytes, used by hard drive manufacturers) — the source of the notorious discrepancy between advertised and actual storage capacity.
📋 How to Use This Calculator
Enter a data size value and select the unit. Choose between binary (powers of 1,024 — kibibytes, mebibytes) and decimal (powers of 1,000 — kilobytes, megabytes) calculation. The converter shows all equivalent values simultaneously. The "Why is my hard drive smaller than advertised?" section explains the binary vs decimal discrepancy.
💡 Key Facts & Information
Binary (IEC standard): 1 KiB = 1,024 bytes. 1 MiB = 1,048,576 bytes. 1 GiB = 1,073,741,824 bytes. Decimal (SI): 1 KB = 1,000 bytes. 1 MB = 1,000,000 bytes. 1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes. A "1 TB" hard drive (decimal) = 1,000,000,000,000 bytes = 931 GiB (binary) — which is what Windows shows as available. Internet speed is always decimal: 100 Mbps = 100,000,000 bits/second = 12.5 MB/second (decimal) of file transfer. Typical sizes: MP3 song ~4 MB; WhatsApp photo ~200 KB; 4K movie ~50–100 GB; 1-hour HD video call ~1.5–3 GB; average email ~75 KB; this entire Wikipedia in text ~21 GB.