Convert between bit, byte, KB, MB, GB, TB, PB, KiB, MiB, GiB, and TiB with binary vs decimal explanation and storage references
Format Converter
About This Tool
Data Storage Converter is an online tool that converts between digital storage units including bit, byte, KB, MB, GB, TB, PB, KiB, MiB, GiB, and TiB. It explains the difference between binary (IEC) and decimal (SI) prefixes, provides a grid of all conversions, and includes storage reference comparisons — all processed locally in your browser.
Key Features
- Convert between 11 storage units from bit to petabyte
- Support for both decimal (KB, MB, GB) and binary (KiB, MiB, GiB) prefixes
- Swap button to quickly reverse conversion direction
- All conversions grid showing every unit at once
- Binary vs decimal prefix explanation section
- Storage reference table with real-world comparisons
Use Cases
- Understand why your hard drive shows less capacity than advertised
- Convert file sizes between operating systems that use different unit standards
- Calculate bandwidth requirements by converting between bits and bytes
- Compare cloud storage pricing across providers using different units
- Educational reference for understanding digital storage terminology
storage
converter
bytes
gigabytes
binary
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Data Storage Converter?
The Data Storage Converter is an online tool that converts between digital storage units including bit, byte, KB, MB, GB, TB, PB, KiB, MiB, GiB, and TiB. It explains the difference between binary and decimal prefixes and provides storage reference comparisons — all running locally in your browser.
What is the difference between KB and KiB?
KB (kilobyte) uses decimal prefixes where 1 KB = 1000 bytes, while KiB (kibibyte) uses binary prefixes where 1 KiB = 1024 bytes. The binary prefixes (KiB, MiB, GiB) were introduced to eliminate ambiguity between decimal and binary interpretations.
Why do hard drives show less capacity than advertised?
Hard drive manufacturers use decimal prefixes (1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes), while operating systems often use binary prefixes (1 GiB = 1,073,741,824 bytes). This difference causes a 1 TB drive to show as approximately 931 GiB in your operating system.
Can I swap the input and output units?
Yes, the converter has a swap button that lets you quickly switch the input and output units, making it easy to convert in the opposite direction without re-entering values.
Is my data sent to any server?
No, all processing happens locally in your browser. Your conversion data is never uploaded or transmitted to any server, ensuring your information remains completely private and secure.