Bits to Bytes Converter
Convert bits to bytes (and back) - the fundamental 8-bits-per-byte conversion, with common multiples (Kb/KB, Mb/MB) included.
Enter a value in bits or bytes - this tool converts using the fundamental 8-bits-per-byte relationship.
Edit either field - the other updates automatically. 1 byte = 8 bits, always (this is a fixed definition, not affected by decimal/binary unit conventions).
This is most commonly confused when reading network speeds (which use bits, e.g. Mbps) versus file sizes (which use bytes, e.g. MB) - see the Data Transfer Speed Calculator for exactly that comparison.
The Fundamental Relationship
1 byte always equals 8 bits - this is the one universally-agreed data-size relationship (unlike KB/MB, which have both decimal and binary conventions). Converting bits to bytes is simply dividing by 8; bytes to bits is multiplying by 8.
How to Use It
- Enter a value.
- Choose whether it's currently in bits or bytes, and the unit multiple (plain, kilo, mega, giga).
- View the converted value in the other unit.
Common Confusion
Internet speeds are conventionally measured in bits per second (Mbps, Gbps) while file sizes are measured in bytes (MB, GB) - a "100 Mbps" connection transfers about 12.5 MB per second, not 100 MB, since 100 Mbps ÷ 8 = 12.5 MB/s.