Bits to Bytes Converter
Convert bits to bytes (and back) - the fundamental 8-bits-per-byte conversion, with common multiples (Kb/KB, Mb/MB) included.
Enter a value in bits or bytes - this tool converts using the fundamental 8-bits-per-byte relationship.
Edit either field - the other updates automatically. 1 byte = 8 bits, always (this is a fixed definition, not affected by decimal/binary unit conventions).
More Data / Number / Computer Science Tools
View all 19This is most commonly confused when reading network speeds (which use bits, e.g. Mbps) versus file sizes (which use bytes, e.g. MB) - the Download Time Calculator shows both for any connection speed.
The Fundamental Relationship
1 byte always equals 8 bits - this is the one universally-agreed data-size relationship (unlike KB/MB, which have both decimal and binary conventions). Converting bits to bytes is simply dividing by 8; bytes to bits is multiplying by 8.
How to Use It
- Enter a value.
- Choose whether it's currently in bits or bytes, and the unit multiple (plain, kilo, mega, giga).
- View the converted value in the other unit.
Common Confusion
Internet speeds are conventionally measured in bits per second (Mbps, Gbps) while file sizes are measured in bytes (MB, GB) - a "100 Mbps" connection transfers about 12.5 MB per second, not 100 MB, since 100 Mbps ÷ 8 = 12.5 MB/s.
Examples
| Bits | Bytes |
|---|---|
| 8 bits | 1 byte |
| 1,000 bits (1 kilobit) | 125 bytes |
| 1 megabit (Mb) | 125,000 bytes (0.125 MB) |
| 100 Mb | 12.5 MB |
| 1 gigabit (Gb) | 125 MB |
Lowercase b vs Uppercase B
By convention, b means bits and B means bytes. Mbps is megabits per second; MB/s is megabytes per second. Internet plans, Wi-Fi and network cards are sold in bits; file sizes and download progress bars show bytes.
Real-World Check
On a 50 Mbps connection, the best possible download speed is 50 ÷ 8 = 6.25 MB/s. In practice you will see a little less, because network protocols add overhead.
Estimate how long a file will take with the Download Time Calculator, or convert larger units with the Byte Converter.
Frequently Asked Questions
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