How to Convert Computer Data Units?
Remember that when it comes to computer data, we use bytes, kilobytes and megabytes in a similar way to the metric system. However, it's important to note that in the digital data storage world, 1 kilobyte is equal to 1024 bytes utilizing the binary system, not 1000 bytes as in the metric decimal system. This distinction is crucial for accurate data measurements and conversions.
The computer data units are bit (b), byte (B), kilobyte (KB), megabyte (MB), gigabyte (GB), terabyte (TB), petabyte (PB), exabyte (EB), zettabyte (ZB) and yottabyte (YB).
Below, we'll explore the most common computer data storage units and provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to convert data storage from a smaller unit to a higher unit:
bit (b):: The smallest unit of digital data, representing a single binary digit (0 or 1). It is commonly used to measure data transfer speeds.
- To convert from bits to bytes, divide the bit value by 8. For instance, 64 bits is equal to 8 bytes.
- To convert from bytes to bits, multiply the byte value by 8. For example, 16 bytes is equal to 128 bits.
byte (B):: A group of 8 bits, often considered the fundamental building block of digital data storage. It is used to measure file sizes and storage capacities. 1 Byte is equal to 8 bits.
- To convert from bytes to kilobytes, divide the byte value by 1024. For example, 4096 bytes is equal to 4 kilobytes.
- To convert from kilobytes to bytes, multiply the kilobyte value by 1024. For example, 8 kilobytes is equal to 8192 bytes.
kilobyte (KB):: Equal to 1024 bytes and commonly used to measure the size of small files and documents.
- To convert from kilobytes to megabytes, divide the value in kilobytes by 1024. For example, 4096 KB is equivalent to 4 MB.
- To convert from megabytes to kilobytes, multiply the value in megabytes by 1024. For example, 2 MB is equivalent to 2048 KB.
megabyte (MB):: Equal to 1024 kilobytes (KB) and commonly used to measure the size of photos, songs and videos.
- To convert from megabytes to gigabytes, divide the value in megabytes by 1024. For example, 2048 MB is equivalent to 2 GB.
- To convert from gigabytes to megabytes, multiply the value in gigabytes by 1024. For example, 5 GB is equal to 5120 MB.
gigabyte (GB):: Equal to 1024 megabytes (MB) and commonly used to to measure the storage capacity of hard drives, solid-state drives and other storage devices.
- To convert from gigabytes to terabytes, divide the value in gigabytes by 1024. For example, 2048 GB is equivalent to 2 TB.
- To convert from terabytes to gigabytes, multiply the value in terabytes by 1024. For example, 5 TB is equal to 5120 GB.
terabyte (TB):: Equal to 1024 gigabytes and commonly used to measure the storage capacities in enterprise-level storage solutions.