Data Storage Converter
Instantly convert digital storage units between decimal (SI) and binary (IEC) systems. Supports Bytes, KB, MB, GB, TB, KiB, MiB, GiB, and more.
Convert Storage Units
Enter a value and choose the units to convert between decimal and binary storage sizes.
This calculator auto-updates when values change.
Quick Conversions
Decimal Equivalents (Base 10)
Bytes
1,000,000 B
Kilobytes
1,000 KB
Megabytes
1 MB
Gigabytes
0.001 GB
Terabytes
0.000001 TB
Petabytes
1.0000e-9 PB
Binary Equivalents (Base 2)
Kibibytes
976.5625 KiB
Mebibytes
0.953674 MiB
Gibibytes
0.000931 GiB
Tebibytes
9.0949e-7 TiB
Decimal vs Binary Units
Hard drive manufacturers and network speeds usually use Decimal (SI) units, such as 1 KB = 1,000 bytes. Operating systems often use Binary (IEC) units, such as 1 KiB = 1,024 bytes. This converter helps translate accurately between both systems.
About This Data Storage Converter
This data storage converter helps you convert digital file sizes and storage capacities between common decimal and binary units. It supports bytes, KB, MB, GB, TB, PB, KiB, MiB, GiB, and TiB.
Decimal storage units are based on powers of 1000 and are commonly used by drive manufacturers and network specifications. Binary storage units are based on powers of 1024 and are often used by operating systems and technical tools.
Use this converter when checking file sizes, comparing hard drive capacity, estimating transfer sizes, or understanding why advertised storage and operating system storage readings do not always match.
How to Use This Converter
- 1
Enter the storage amount
Type the value you want to convert, such as 1, 500, or 1024.
- 2
Choose the starting unit
Select the unit you are converting from, such as MB, GB, KiB, or MiB.
- 3
Choose the target unit
Select the unit you want to convert into. The result updates automatically.
- 4
Review the decimal and binary breakdown
Use the breakdown cards to compare the same value across common decimal and binary storage units.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between MB and MiB?v
MB is a decimal unit based on 1,000,000 bytes. MiB is a binary unit based on 1,048,576 bytes. They are similar, but not identical.
Why does my computer show a different storage size than the box?v
Storage manufacturers usually advertise decimal units, while many operating systems calculate storage using binary units. This makes a drive appear smaller after formatting.
How many MB are in 1 GB?v
Using decimal storage units, 1 GB equals 1,000 MB. Using binary-style units, 1 GiB equals 1,024 MiB.
What are KiB, MiB, and GiB?v
KiB, MiB, and GiB are binary storage units. They use powers of 1024 instead of powers of 1000.
Should I use decimal or binary units?v
Use decimal units for drive sizes, file transfer estimates, and manufacturer specifications. Use binary units when comparing what an operating system reports.