Data Storage Converter
How many KB are in an MB, and how many MB in a GB? Convert storage between bytes, KB, MB, GB, TB and PB. Pick the binary standard (1024, what your operating system uses) or the decimal standard (1000, what manufacturers print on the box).
Result
1,024 KB
Result
Formula
Result = value × (from-factor ÷ to-factor), relative to the byte
In the binary standard each step is a factor of 1024: 1 KB = 1024 bytes, 1 MB = 1024 KB, and so on. In the decimal standard each step is 1000. Operating systems (Windows) usually show binary; hard-drive makers advertise decimal, which is why a "1 TB" drive shows as ~931 GB in Windows.
Step by step
- 1Enter the value and choose the unit to convert from.
- 2Choose the target unit.
- 3Choose binary (1024) or decimal (1000) and read the result.
Worked examples
1 MB to KB (binary)
→ 1024 KB.
20,000 MB to GB (binary)
→ ≈ 19.53 GB.
Reference table
| 1 unit | Binary (1024) | Decimal (1000) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 KB | 1,024 bytes | 1,000 bytes |
| 1 MB | 1,024 KB | 1,000 KB |
| 1 GB | 1,024 MB | 1,000 MB |
| 1 TB | 1,024 GB | 1,000 GB |
| 1 PB | 1,024 TB | 1,000 TB |
Operating systems show binary; manufacturers advertise decimal.
Common mistakes
- Mixing binary and decimal: 1 MB is 1024 KB (binary) or 1000 KB (decimal).
- Confusing bits and bytes: 1 byte = 8 bits (internet speed is in bits).
- Being surprised a "1 TB" drive shows less: that is decimal vs binary.
When to use it
- Checking how many photos or videos fit on a memory card.
- Comparing a download size in MB with your remaining GB.
- Understanding the real capacity of a purchased hard drive.
Frequently asked questions
How many KB is 1 MB?
1024 KB in the binary standard, or 1000 KB in the decimal standard.
How many GB is 20,000 MB?
About 19.53 GB binary (÷1024²) or 20 GB decimal (÷1000²).
Why does my 1 TB drive show only 931 GB?
The maker counts decimal (1 TB = 1000⁴ bytes), Windows shows binary (÷1024³), which comes to ~931 GB.
Which standard should I choose?
For operating systems and RAM: binary (1024). For drive and internet specs from makers: decimal (1000).
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