Digital Storage Converter - GB to MB, TB to GB
Convert between bits, bytes, KB, MB, GB, TB, and PB. Supports both binary (1024) and decimal (1000) standards.
How to Use the Digital Storage Converter
- Choose Storage Standard: Select Binary (1024-based) or Decimal (1000-based) standard. Binary is used by computers, decimal by storage manufacturers.
- Select Source Unit: Choose the storage unit you're converting from (bytes, KB, MB, GB, TB) from the "From" dropdown.
- Enter Storage Value: Type the storage size you want to convert. Supports large numbers for modern storage capacities.
- Choose Target Unit: Select the storage unit you want to convert to from the "To" dropdown menu.
- View Converted Size: See your converted storage size instantly. Essential for understanding file sizes and storage capacity.
Digital Storage Conversion Formulas
Binary System (1024-based)
1 KB = 1,024 bytes, 1 MB = 1,024 KB, 1 GB = 1,024 MBExample: 1 GB = 1,024 × 1,024 × 1,024 = 1,073,741,824 bytes
Decimal System (1000-based)
1 KB = 1,000 bytes, 1 MB = 1,000 KB, 1 GB = 1,000 MBExample: 1 GB = 1,000 × 1,000 × 1,000 = 1,000,000,000 bytes
Converting Between Systems
Binary GB = Decimal GB × 1.073741824Example: 100 GB (decimal) = 107.374 GB (binary)
Digital Storage Conversion Reference Table
| Unit | Binary (Bytes) | Decimal (Bytes) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 KB | 1,024 | 1,000 | 2.4% |
| 1 MB | 1,048,576 | 1,000,000 | 4.9% |
| 1 GB | 1,073,741,824 | 1,000,000,000 | 7.4% |
| 1 TB | 1,099,511,627,776 | 1,000,000,000,000 | 10.0% |
| 1 PB | 1,125,899,906,842,624 | 1,000,000,000,000,000 | 12.6% |
Real-World Digital Storage Examples
File Sizes
Convert file sizes between bytes, KB, MB, and GB. Understand why a "1 GB" file might show as 953 MB on your computer (binary vs decimal). Essential for managing storage and understanding file sizes.
Storage Devices
Convert storage capacity. Hard drives use decimal (1 TB = 1,000 GB), while operating systems use binary (1 TB = 1,024 GB), causing the "missing space" confusion. This is normal and expected.
Data Transfer
Convert data transfer rates and bandwidth. Internet speeds are typically measured in Mbps (megabits per second), while file sizes use MB (megabytes). Essential for estimating download times.
Cloud Storage
Compare cloud storage plans. Understand the difference between advertised capacity (decimal) and actual usable space (binary). Helps you make informed decisions when choosing storage services.
Understanding Digital Storage Systems
Binary vs Decimal Systems
Computers use binary (base-2) math, so storage naturally works in powers of 2 (1024 = 2^10). Storage manufacturers use decimal (base-10) for marketing, making drives appear larger. This causes the "missing space" when you format a drive - it's not a defect, just different measurement systems.
Why Two Standards?
The binary system (1024-based) is how computers actually work internally. The decimal system (1000-based) is easier for humans and used by manufacturers for marketing. Both are correct, but you must know which one you're using. Operating systems use binary, while product labels use decimal.
Bits vs Bytes
A bit is the smallest unit (0 or 1). A byte is 8 bits. Internet speeds use bits per second (Mbps), while file sizes use bytes (MB). 1 MB = 8 Mbps for transfer speed calculations. Always specify which you're using to avoid confusion.
Digital Storage Conversion Tips
- Operating systems use binary (1024): Windows, macOS, Linux show binary sizes
- Storage manufacturers use decimal (1000): Hard drives, SSDs, USB drives
- 1 GB (binary) = 1.074 GB (decimal) - this explains "missing" storage
- For file sizes, always use binary (1024) as that's what your OS uses
- When buying storage, expect about 7-10% less usable space due to binary/decimal difference