GB to MB Converter
Convert between bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, and terabytes using binary or decimal standards.
How many MB are in 1 GB?
1 GB (gigabyte) = 1,024 MB (megabytes) in binary (base 2) used by operating systems and RAM. In decimal (base 10) used by storage manufacturers, 1 GB = 1,000 MB. Example: 5 GB = 5,120 MB (binary) or 5,000 MB (decimal). Most computers display storage in binary, so a "500 GB" hard drive shows as ~465 GB. The difference matters for large storage: 1 TB binary = 1,099.51 GB decimal.
What is the difference between GB and GiB?
GB (gigabyte) traditionally means 1,024 MB but officially means 1,000 MB (decimal). GiB (gibibyte) specifically means 1,024 MiB (binary). Conversions: 1 GiB = 1,024 MiB = 1.074 GB. 1 GB = 1,000 MB = 0.931 GiB. Windows uses binary (GiB) but labels it "GB". Storage makers use decimal GB. Example: "256 GB" SSD = ~238 GiB actual usable space. For accuracy, use GiB for binary, GB for decimal.
How do I convert GB to TB and other units?
Binary: 1 TB = 1,024 GB = 1,048,576 MB. 1 GB = 1,024 MB = 1,048,576 KB. Decimal: 1 TB = 1,000 GB = 1,000,000 MB. 1 GB = 1,000 MB = 1,000,000 KB. Examples: 500 GB = 0.488 TB (binary) or 0.5 TB (decimal). 2 TB = 2,048 GB = 2,097,152 MB (binary). To convert: Multiply by 1,024 for each step up in binary, divide by 1,024 for each step down. Common sizes: 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB SSDs.
Why does my storage device show less capacity than advertised?
Storage manufacturers use decimal (1 GB = 1,000 MB) but operating systems use binary (1 GB = 1,024 MB). Example: "1 TB" drive = 1,000,000,000,000 bytes (decimal) = 931 GB (binary displayed). The larger the drive, bigger the difference: 500 GB shows as ~465 GB, 1 TB shows as ~931 GB, 2 TB shows as ~1,863 GB. Also, formatted file systems and hidden partitions reduce capacity. This is normal and not a defect. Actual usable space typically 93% of advertised.
How much storage do I need for common files?
Typical file sizes: HD movie (1080p) = 3-5 GB, 4K movie = 25-50 GB. Music album (MP3) = 50-150 MB. High-res photo (JPEG) = 5-10 MB, RAW = 25-50 MB. AAA video game = 50-150 GB. 1-hour video recording (1080p) = 4-8 GB, 4K = 15-30 GB. Document/PDF = 0.5-2 MB. Storage needs: 256 GB = casual use, 512 GB = moderate multimedia, 1+ TB = heavy gaming/video editing, 2+ TB = content creation/archiving.
What about bits vs bytes in data transfer?
Storage uses bytes (B): GB, MB, KB. Network speeds use bits (b): Gbps, Mbps, Kbps. 1 byte = 8 bits. Conversions: 100 Mbps internet = 12.5 MB/s download speed. 1 Gbps = 125 MB/s. To convert: Divide Mbps by 8 for MB/s. Example: Download 1 GB file on 100 Mbps connection = 1,024 MB ÷ 12.5 MB/s = ~82 seconds (theoretical). Actual speeds lower due to overhead, network congestion. Always divide by 8 when converting network speed to storage speed.
How do cloud storage and data plans work with GB/MB?
Cloud storage plans: 15 GB free (Google), 5 GB (iCloud), 2 GB (Dropbox). Paid: 100 GB (~$2/mo), 1 TB (~$10/mo), 2 TB (~$20/mo). Mobile data: 5 GB = light use, 10-20 GB = moderate, unlimited = heavy streaming. Data usage: 1 hour HD streaming = 3 GB, SD = 1 GB. Social media browsing = 2 GB/day. Email = minimal (10-50 MB/day). Monitor usage to avoid overages. 1 GB mobile data = ~700 emails, 200 photos uploaded, or 1 hour video streaming.