Bits to Bytes Converter

Convert digital information between bits, bytes and larger units. Handles networking values (kb, Mb) and storage values (kB, MB) and even binary KiB/MiB, so you can match what your OS or ISP shows.

Unit style

Use decimal for internet speeds and marketing specs. Use binary to match what your computer reports.

Core rule: 1 byte = 8 bits.

Current conversion: 8 bit = 1 byte

This tool normalizes everything to bits as the base unit, then converts to the target unit.

Quick table: bits → bytes

Bits (b) Bytes (B)
10.125
40.5
81
162
648
12816

How the bits-to-bytes conversion works

Bits are the smallest unit of information (0 or 1). Bytes are groups of 8 bits, used to represent characters or chunks of data. Many networking tools talk in bits per second (bps), while storage tools talk in bytes, so you often need to convert.

Formulas

bytes = bits ÷ 8

bits = bytes × 8

Decimal prefixes (base 10):

  • 1 kB = 1000 B
  • 1 MB = 1000 kB
  • 1 GB = 1000 MB

Binary prefixes (base 2):

  • 1 KiB = 1024 B
  • 1 MiB = 1024 KiB

Why converters online give slightly different results

Some sites assume decimal (1 kB = 1000 B), others assume binary (1 KiB = 1024 B) but still label it “kB”. That’s why you may see small differences. This page makes the distinction visible.

FAQ

1. My internet speed is in Mbps, but my download shows MB/s. Why?

ISPs advertise megabits per second (Mb/s). Your browser shows megabytes per second (MB/s). Since 1 byte = 8 bits, divide the connection speed by 8 to get the maximum MB/s.

2. What should I store in my database?

Store bytes as the canonical value. It’s easy to go from bytes to bits (× 8) and to any human-readable unit.

3. Can I use this for teaching?

Yes. Show students both decimal and binary results so they grasp software vs marketing differences.

Audit: Complete
Formula (LaTeX) + variables + units
This section shows the formulas used by the calculator engine, plus variable definitions and units.
Formula (extracted LaTeX)
\[','\\]
','\
Formula (extracted text)
bytes = bits ÷ 8 bits = bytes × 8 Decimal prefixes (base 10): 1 kB = 1000 B 1 MB = 1000 kB 1 GB = 1000 MB Binary prefixes (base 2): 1 KiB = 1024 B 1 MiB = 1024 KiB
Variables and units
  • No variables provided in audit spec.
Sources (authoritative):
Changelog
Version: 0.1.0-draft
Last code update: 2026-01-19
0.1.0-draft · 2026-01-19
  • Initial audit spec draft generated from HTML extraction (review required).
  • Verify formulas match the calculator engine and convert any text-only formulas to LaTeX.
  • Confirm sources are authoritative and relevant to the calculator methodology.
Verified by Ugo Candido on 2026-01-19
Profile · LinkedIn