Data Converter

Convert between different data storage units including bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes, and more. Get instant, accurate conversions with detailed calculations.

Enter the numeric value you want to convert
Select the source unit
Select the target unit
Choose between decimal (SI) or binary (IEC) conversion

Share this tool:

How to Use the Data Converter

Our data converter tool makes it easy to convert between different data storage units. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Enter the numeric value you want to convert in the "Enter Value" field
  2. Select the source unit from the "From Unit" dropdown menu
  3. Choose the target unit from the "To Unit" dropdown menu
  4. Select the conversion type (Decimal or Binary)
  5. Click the "Convert" button to see the result
  6. View the detailed conversion steps and reference table

Understanding Data Units

Data storage units are used to measure the amount of digital information. Here's what you need to know:

Decimal (SI) Units:

  • • 1 Kilobyte (KB) = 1,000 bytes
  • • 1 Megabyte (MB) = 1,000 KB
  • • 1 Gigabyte (GB) = 1,000 MB
  • • 1 Terabyte (TB) = 1,000 GB

Binary (IEC) Units:

  • • 1 Kibibyte (KiB) = 1,024 bytes
  • • 1 Mebibyte (MiB) = 1,024 KiB
  • • 1 Gibibyte (GiB) = 1,024 MiB
  • • 1 Tebibyte (TiB) = 1,024 GiB

Formulas Used

The data converter uses these mathematical formulas:

Decimal Conversion:

Value in target unit = Value in source unit × (1000^(source_power - target_power))

Binary Conversion:

Value in target unit = Value in source unit × (1024^(source_power - target_power))

Use Cases and Applications

This data converter is useful for:

  • Converting file sizes for storage planning
  • Understanding bandwidth requirements
  • Comparing storage capacities
  • Educational purposes and learning
  • Network and system administration
  • Data analysis and reporting

Common Conversion Examples

File Size Examples:

  • • 1 HD photo: ~5 MB
  • • 1 song (MP3): ~4 MB
  • • 1 HD movie: ~4 GB
  • • 1 DVD: ~4.7 GB

Storage Examples:

  • • USB drive: 8-128 GB
  • • SSD drive: 256 GB - 2 TB
  • • Hard drive: 1-10 TB
  • • Cloud storage: 1 TB+

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between decimal and binary conversion?

Decimal uses base-10 (powers of 1000), while binary uses base-2 (powers of 1024). Computer systems typically use binary, while storage manufacturers often use decimal.

Why do hard drives show less storage than advertised?

Manufacturers use decimal units (1000), but operating systems use binary units (1024). A 1TB drive has 1,000,000,000,000 bytes, which equals ~931 GB in binary calculation.

What's the largest data unit?

Currently, the largest recognized unit is the Yottabyte (YB), which equals 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 bytes in decimal.