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Data Converter

convert between data storage units like bytes, kb, mb, gb, tb, bitsdata units instantly

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Gigabytes and Gigabits?

Gigabytes (GB) measure storage capacity, while Gigabits (Gb) measure data transfer rates. 1 Gigabyte = 8 Gigabits. Internet speeds are typically measured in Gigabits per second (Gbps), while file sizes use Gigabytes. A 1 Gbps connection can theoretically transfer 125 MB per second.

Why do hard drives show less capacity than advertised?

Hard drive manufacturers use decimal (1000-based) calculations where 1 GB = 1,000 MB, while operating systems use binary (1024-based) calculations where 1 GB = 1,024 MB. A 1 TB drive shows as 931 GB in Windows due to this difference.

How do internet speed tests relate to actual download speeds?

Internet speeds are measured in bits per second (Mbps), while downloads show megabytes per second (MB/s). To convert: divide Mbps by 8. A 100 Mbps connection provides roughly 12.5 MB/s download speed in ideal conditions.

What data units are used for mobile data plans?

Mobile data plans typically use Gigabytes (GB). Common usage: streaming video uses 1-3 GB per hour, music streaming uses 50-150 MB per hour, and web browsing uses 10-25 MB per hour. Understanding these helps choose appropriate data plans.

How do file compression ratios work?

Compression reduces file sizes by eliminating redundant data. Compression ratios are expressed as percentages or ratios. A 10:1 ratio means the compressed file is 10% of the original size. Different file types compress differently - text compresses well, while images and videos compress less.

What data storage units will we use in the future?

Beyond Petabytes, we have Exabytes (1000 PB), Zettabytes (1000 EB), and Yottabytes (1000 ZB). As data generation accelerates with IoT, AI, and 8K video, these larger units are becoming relevant for enterprise storage and cloud computing.