Data Storage Converter
Convert between bytes, KB, MB, GB, TB, and PB instantly
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Enter a storage value above to see conversions across all units
Quick Examples
What is Data Storage Conversion?
Data storage conversion is the process of converting digital information sizes from one unit to another. In computing, data is measured in bytes, with larger units built upon multiples of 1024 bytes (binary system) or 1000 bytes (decimal system).
Understanding storage units is essential for managing disk space, calculating bandwidth requirements, determining file sizes, and making informed decisions about storage purchases. Our converter uses the binary system (1024-based), which is the standard in most operating systems and storage devices.
Storage Units Explained
Byte (B)
The fundamental unit of digital information. One byte consists of 8 bits and can represent 256 different values (0-255). A single character in plain text typically requires one byte of storage.
Kilobyte (KB)
Equal to 1,024 bytes. Small text files, simple images, and short documents are typically measured in kilobytes. A typical email without attachments is around 10-20 KB.
Megabyte (MB)
Equal to 1,024 KB or 1,048,576 bytes. Digital photos, MP3 songs, and small videos are typically measured in megabytes. A high-quality photo is usually 2-5 MB, while a 3-minute MP3 song is about 3-4 MB.
Gigabyte (GB)
Equal to 1,024 MB or 1,073,741,824 bytes. Operating systems, software applications, HD movies, and large file collections are measured in gigabytes. A typical smartphone has 64-256 GB of storage, while a high-definition movie is around 4-8 GB.
Terabyte (TB)
Equal to 1,024 GB or 1,099,511,627,776 bytes. Hard drives, server storage, and large data collections use terabytes. A 1 TB hard drive can store approximately 250,000 photos or 500 hours of HD video.
Petabyte (PB)
Equal to 1,024 TB or 1,125,899,906,842,624 bytes. Enterprise data centers, cloud storage providers, and large-scale computing operations use petabytes. Major tech companies process petabytes of data daily.
Common Use Cases
File Management
Calculate total storage needs for photos, videos, and documents
Download Planning
Estimate download times based on file sizes and connection speeds
Cloud Storage
Compare storage plans and understand capacity across different providers
Hardware Purchases
Make informed decisions when buying hard drives, SSDs, and memory cards
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 1 KB equal to 1024 bytes instead of 1000?
Computers use a binary system (base-2), making powers of 2 more natural. 1024 is 2^10, which is the closest power of 2 to 1000. This binary system is used by operating systems and most storage devices, though some manufacturers use decimal (1000-based) calculations.
What's the difference between GB and GiB?
GB (gigabyte) traditionally means 1024^3 bytes in computing, but officially means 1000^3 bytes. GiB (gibibyte) was introduced to specifically mean 1024^3 bytes. Our tool uses the binary system (1024-based), which is what most operating systems display.
Is this tool accurate for all conversions?
Yes! Our converter uses precise mathematical calculations with the binary system (1024-based multipliers). All conversions are performed in your browser using JavaScript's built-in number handling, ensuring accuracy for values from bytes to petabytes.
Why does my 1 TB hard drive show less storage?
Hard drive manufacturers use decimal (1000-based) calculations, so a "1 TB" drive is 1,000,000,000,000 bytes. However, operating systems use binary calculations (1024-based), showing it as approximately 931 GB. Additionally, some space is reserved for the file system and drive formatting.
Is my data safe when using this tool?
Absolutely! All conversions happen entirely in your browser using client-side JavaScript. No data is sent to any server, and no information is stored or tracked. Your privacy is completely protected.