Data Storage Converter

Bits to terabytes, no math required.

Convert between bits, bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes and terabytes.

How it works

One byte is 8 bits. This converter uses binary multiples, the way most operating systems report file sizes: 1 kilobyte = 1,024 bytes, 1 megabyte = 1,024 kilobytes, and so on.

When it helps

Useful for estimating file sizes, download times, or comparing storage and data plans.

Bits, bytes and the 1,000 vs 1,024 confusion

A bit is a single 0 or 1, and a byte is 8 bits — enough to store one simple character. Larger units multiply by 1,024 in the binary system computers use internally, which is what this converter follows. Standards bodies call these kibibytes (KiB), mebibytes (MiB) and so on, but most software still labels them KB, MB and GB.

Hard-drive makers and network providers use decimal units, where a kilobyte is exactly 1,000 bytes. The gap grows with size: about 2.4% at the kilobyte level, but almost 10% at the terabyte level.

Worked example: download time

Internet speeds are quoted in megabits per second. On a 100 Mbps connection you get at most about 12.5 megabytes per second. A 4 GB film is about 4,096 MB, so it takes roughly 4,096 ÷ 12.5 ≈ 330 seconds, or five and a half minutes, in ideal conditions.

In practice expect somewhat longer, because of network overhead and the speed of the server you're downloading from.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my 1 TB drive show less space?

Drive makers use decimal units (1 TB = 1,000,000,000,000 bytes), while your computer counts in 1,024s, so it appears as about 931 GB.

Is internet speed measured in bits or bytes?

Usually bits per second (Mbps). Divide by 8 to get megabytes per second.

How many photos fit in 1 GB?

It depends on the camera, but a typical 3–5 MB phone photo means roughly 200–300 photos per gigabyte.

Tools In Orbit · About · Contact · Privacy · Terms