Data Storage Converter
Last updated: 2026-06-25
Data storage conversion uses 1 GB = 1,024 MB on the binary (operating system) base and 1 GB = 1,000 MB on the decimal (drive maker) base. Use the toggle below to switch bases.
Enter a value, pick a unit and base, and B, KB, MB, GB and TB update instantly.
Enter a data size
Results (all units)
| Unit | Value |
|---|
How to use
- Enter a value — Type the storage value you want to convert.
- Pick the unit and base — Choose the unit of your value (for example GB) and the 1024 or 1000 base.
- Read the results — B, KB, MB, GB and TB all update instantly in the table.
MB to GB and the 1024 / 1000 difference
For data storage, the same "GB" means different things depending on the base. Computers use powers of two (1024 = 2¹⁰), so 1 KB = 1,024 B, while drive makers and carriers use decimal (1000), so 1 KB = 1,000 B. Compounded up to the TB level, the difference reaches about 10%.
| Unit | 1024 base | 1000 base |
|---|---|---|
| Byte (B) | 1 | 1 |
| Kilobyte (KB) | 1,024 | 1,000 |
| Megabyte (MB) | 1,048,576 | 1,000,000 |
| Gigabyte (GB) | 1,073,741,824 | 1,000,000,000 |
| Terabyte (TB) | 1,099,511,627,776 | 1,000,000,000,000 |
For example, a 1 TB drive (maker, 1000 base) shows up as about 931 GB in the operating system (1024 base). Strict binary units are also called KiB, MiB and GiB. For more conversion tips, see the unit conversion cheat sheet.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How many MB is 1 GB?
On the binary (computer) base, 1 GB is 1,024 MB. On the decimal (1000) base used by drive makers, 1 GB is 1,000 MB. This converter supports both 1024 and 1000 bases with a toggle.
Why does a 1 TB hard drive show only 931 GB?
Makers label 1 TB as 1,000,000,000,000 bytes (decimal, 1000 base), but the operating system calculates 1 TB as 1,024⁴ bytes (binary, 1024 base). Dividing a trillion bytes by 1,024⁴ gives about 931 GB, so the usable capacity looks smaller.
Should I use the 1024 base or the 1000 base?
Use the 1024 base (binary) for file and disk sizes in an operating system, and the 1000 base (decimal) for storage devices and network speeds as labeled by makers and carriers. Strict binary units are also written as KiB, MiB and GiB.
How many bits are in 1 byte?
One byte (B) is 8 bits. This converter handles byte units (B, KB, MB, GB, TB), which differ by a factor of 8 from the bits (Mbps and so on) used for network speeds.
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Last updated: 2026-06-25