Data Storage Converter
Convert between bytes, KB, MB, GB, TB and PB with toggle between binary (1024) and decimal (1000) standards
Standard
Binary: Used by operating systems. Decimal: Used by manufacturers (advertised sizes).
Most Readable Unit
1.00 GB
All Conversions
B
1073741824.0
KB
1048576.0
MB
1024.0
GB
1.00
TB
0.00
PB
0.00
Quick Reference
- 1 byte = 8 bits
- Binary (1024): Used by computers and operating systems
- Decimal (1000): Used by hard drive and cloud storage manufacturers
- 1 TB binary ≈ 931 GB decimal (why your drive shows less space)
Data Storage Units
Standard hierarchy: bit < byte (8 bits) < KB (1024 B) < MB (1024 KB) < GB (1024 MB) < TB (1024 GB) < PB (1024 TB). Two systems exist: binary (1 KB = 1,024 bytes, used by OS) and decimal (1 KB = 1,000 bytes, used by drive marketing). The 1.024x mismatch creates the 'missing storage' confusion when buying drives.
Reference: a typical book (text only) = 1-2 MB. Photo = 2-5 MB. Movie 1080p = 4-8 GB. Game install = 50-150 GB. Personal cloud storage purchases: typically 1-5 TB. Modern phones: 64-256 GB. Modern PCs: 256 GB - 4 TB. Cloud companies measure in PB and EB internally.
Data Storage Reference
| Unit | Bytes (binary) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Byte | 1 | Single character |
| KB | 1,024 | Text files |
| MB | 1,048,576 | Photos, music |
| GB | 1,073,741,824 | Videos, OS install |
| TB | ~1.1 × 10^12 | External drives |
| PB | ~1.1 × 10^15 | Enterprise storage |
| EB | ~1.15 × 10^18 | Internet annual traffic |
| ZB | ~1.18 × 10^21 | Global data total |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my new TB drive showing 931 GB?
Drive manufacturer used decimal (1 TB = 10^12 bytes = 1,000,000,000,000 bytes). OS uses binary (1 TiB = 2^40 bytes = 1,099,511,627,776 bytes). 1 × 10^12 ÷ 2^40 = 0.909 TiB ≈ 931 GiB. The 'missing' 69 GB is real to marketing definition; OS is reporting the binary equivalent.
What's the difference between MB and MiB?
MB = decimal megabyte = 1,000,000 bytes. MiB = binary mebibyte = 1,048,576 bytes. The 4.86% difference matters for technical work. Most consumer use casually treats them as equivalent. Strictly, file managers usually report MiB but label it 'MB'.