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Data Storage Calculator

Convert between storage units (bytes, KB, MB, GB, TB, PB)
Enter a storage value to convert to all units.
Binary: 1 KB = 1024 bytes | Decimal: 1 KB = 1000 bytes

Enter a value to convert storage units.

Data Storage Guide

Understanding Data Storage

Data storage is measured in bytes and multiples thereof. However, there are two different systems: binary (base-2) and decimal (base-10).

Binary vs Decimal:
  • Binary (1024-based): Used by operating systems. 1 KB = 1024 bytes
  • Decimal (1000-based): Used by manufacturers. 1 KB = 1000 bytes
  • This difference causes confusion: a "500 GB" hard drive shows as ~465 GB in Windows
  • Technically: KiB, MiB, GiB (binary) vs KB, MB, GB (decimal)
Storage Units (Binary):
  • 1 KB = 1,024 bytes
  • 1 MB = 1,024 KB = 1,048,576 bytes
  • 1 GB = 1,024 MB = 1,073,741,824 bytes
  • 1 TB = 1,024 GB = ~1.1 trillion bytes
  • 1 PB = 1,024 TB = ~1.1 quadrillion bytes
Common Storage Sizes:
  • Photo (JPEG): 2-5 MB
  • Song (MP3): 3-5 MB
  • HD Movie: 4-8 GB
  • 4K Movie: 25-100 GB
  • Game: 50-150 GB

Applications

  • Storage Planning: Calculate needed disk space
  • Data Transfer: Estimate download/upload times
  • Cloud Storage: Compare pricing plans
  • Backup Planning: Size backup media
Pro Tips
  • Binary vs Decimal
    A 1 TB drive has ~931 GB usable (binary) but manufacturers advertise 1000 GB (decimal).
  • Quick Estimate
    1 GB ≈ 1000 MB, 1 TB ≈ 1000 GB for rough calculations.
  • File Sizes
    Photos: ~3 MB, Songs: ~4 MB, HD movies: ~5 GB.
Example

500 GB hard drive:

  • Decimal: 500,000,000,000 bytes
  • Binary: 465.66 GB (what OS shows)
  • Difference: ~34 GB "missing"
  • Not actually missing - just different counting!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does my hard drive show less space than advertised?

A: Manufacturers use decimal (1000-based) system where 1 TB = 1,000,000,000,000 bytes. Operating systems use binary (1024-based) where 1 TB = 1,099,511,627,776 bytes. A "1 TB" drive (1 trillion bytes) shows as 931 GB in Windows. This isn't a scam - just different counting systems. Additionally, some space is used for formatting and system files.

Q: What's the difference between KB and KiB?

A: KB (kilobyte) technically means 1000 bytes (decimal). KiB (kibibyte) means 1024 bytes (binary). However, KB is commonly used for both. Windows uses binary (1024) but labels it "KB". To avoid confusion, use KiB/MiB/GiB for binary and KB/MB/GB for decimal. Our calculator lets you choose which system to use.

Q: How many photos can I store on a 64 GB SD card?

A: Assuming 3 MB per photo (typical JPEG): 64 GB = 64,000 MB (decimal) or 61,440 MB (binary). Using binary: 61,440 MB / 3 MB = ~20,480 photos. Actual capacity varies based on photo quality, resolution, and card formatting. RAW photos are 20-40 MB each, so only ~1,500-3,000 RAW photos would fit.

Q: How long does it take to download 50 GB?

A: Depends on internet speed. 100 Mbps connection: 50 GB = 400,000 Mb (megabits). 400,000 Mb / 100 Mbps = 4,000 seconds = ~67 minutes. 1 Gbps: ~7 minutes. 10 Mbps: ~11 hours. Note: advertised speeds are in megabits (Mb), storage is in megabytes (MB). 1 MB = 8 Mb.

Q: What's the largest storage unit?

A: Common units go: byte, KB, MB, GB, TB, PB (petabyte), EB (exabyte), ZB (zettabyte), YB (yottabyte). 1 YB = 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 bytes. For perspective: all data ever created by humanity is estimated at ~100 ZB. Individual users rarely exceed TB, data centers use PB-EB.

Q: Should I use binary or decimal for my calculations?

A: Use binary (1024-based) when working with operating systems, RAM, or actual usable space. Use decimal (1000-based) when comparing manufacturer specs or purchasing storage. For general calculations, binary is more accurate for what you'll actually see on your computer. When in doubt, use binary - it's what your OS uses.

Disclaimer

Important Notice:

  • This calculator provides mathematical conversions between storage units. Actual usable storage may differ.
  • Binary vs Decimal: Results differ significantly between systems. A 1 TB drive is 1000 GB (decimal) or 931 GB (binary).
  • Formatting overhead: Actual usable space is less due to file system formatting (5-10% overhead for NTFS, FAT32, etc.).
  • Manufacturer specs: Storage manufacturers use decimal (1000-based). Operating systems use binary (1024-based).
  • System files: OS and hidden files consume additional space not shown in calculations.
  • Rounding: Results are rounded for readability. Exact values may have more decimal places.
  • This tool is for estimation only. For critical storage planning, verify actual available space on your device.
  • Data loss prevention: Always maintain backups. Don't rely solely on calculations for backup planning.
  • We are not responsible for any data loss, incorrect storage purchases, or other consequences resulting from the use of this calculator.

Always check actual available space on your storage device before making decisions.

Data Storage

Convert between storage units. Supports both binary (1024) and decimal (1000) systems!

Quick Reference

Binary (1024):

  • 1 KB = 1,024 B
  • 1 MB = 1,024 KB
  • 1 GB = 1,024 MB
  • 1 TB = 1,024 GB

Decimal (1000):

  • 1 KB = 1,000 B
  • 1 MB = 1,000 KB
  • 1 GB = 1,000 MB
  • 1 TB = 1,000 GB
Learn More

Data Storage Resources:

Did You Know?

The entire Library of Congress (all books, recordings, maps, etc.) is estimated at ~20 TB of data. Modern hard drives can hold multiple "Libraries of Congress"!