Data Storage Converter
Convert a data size between decimal storage units (1000-based) and binary units (1024-based) such as bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, kibibytes, and gibibytes.
Guide
What is a data storage conversion?
A data storage conversion expresses the same number of bytes using a different unit label. Decimal units such as kilobytes use powers of 1,000, while binary units such as kibibytes use powers of 1,024.
Formula
Converted value = Input value × (Source unit to bytes) ÷ (Target unit to bytes). For example, 1 kibibyte equals 1,024 bytes and 1 kilobyte equals 1,000 bytes, so 1,024 bytes equals 1 kibibyte but only 1.024 kilobytes.
Worked example
1,024 bytes converts to 1 kibibyte because 1,024 ÷ 1,024 = 1. The same 1,024 bytes converts to 1.024 kilobytes because 1,024 ÷ 1,000 = 1.024.
Assumptions and limitations
The Converter treats one byte as the base unit and uses explicit decimal or binary multipliers in the unit labels. Values must be zero or greater. It does not model bits, nibbles, or vendor-specific rounding rules.
Common questions
Why are KB and KiB different?
KB uses 1,000 bytes per step while KiB uses 1,024 bytes per step. Which one does my operating system use? Many systems display binary sizes with decimal-style labels, so always check the unit definition. Can I convert between bits and bytes? No. This Converter works in bytes only.
Methodology
Each unit stores a fixed multiplier to bytes. The Converter applies exact decimal arithmetic and rounds only for display.