How it works
Converted amount = amount × source bytes per unit ÷ destination bytes per unit. 1 GB = 1,000 MB; 1 GiB = 1,024 MiB; 1 byte = 8 bits.
- Choose decimal or binary defaults.
- Enter a nonnegative amount.
- Choose the source and destination units.
- Read the result, bytes and unit comparison.
Worked example: 2,048 MB ÷ 1,000 = 2.048 GB. The same amount is 2,048,000,000 bytes, or about 1.9073 GiB.
Common MB amounts
| MB | Converted value | GiB |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0.1 GB | 0.0931 GiB |
| 250 | 0.25 GB | 0.2328 GiB |
| 500 | 0.5 GB | 0.4657 GiB |
| 1000 | 1 GB | 0.9313 GiB |
| 1024 | 1.024 GB | 0.9537 GiB |
| 2048 | 2.048 GB | 1.9073 GiB |
| 4096 | 4.096 GB | 3.8147 GiB |
| 5000 | 5 GB | 4.6566 GiB |
| 10000 | 10 GB | 9.3132 GiB |
| 1000000 | 1,000 GB | 931.3226 GiB |
Swipe the table sideways to see the rest.
Things to consider
- Check whether the label says MB or MiB.
- Use bytes for file sizes, bits for network rates.
- A decimal drive capacity is not its free space.
- Formatting and system files also use space.
Frequently asked questions
How many MB are in a GB?
A decimal GB contains exactly 1,000 MB. A binary GiB contains exactly 1,024 MiB. These are different unit systems, so 1,024 MB is 1.024 GB, not 1 GiB.
Why does a drive show less space than its advertised capacity?
Storage makers use decimal units. Some operating systems calculate binary sizes but label them GB. A 500 GB drive has 500,000,000,000 bytes, about 465.66 GiB, before formatting and system files. The unit change does not remove bytes; formatting and reserved files can reduce usable space further.
What is the difference between MB and MiB?
MB is a megabyte: 1,000,000 bytes. MiB is a mebibyte: 1,048,576 bytes. Decimal units step by 1,000; binary IEC units step by 1,024. Use KiB, MiB and GiB when you mean binary values.
Does RAM use decimal or binary capacity?
RAM capacity is based on binary sizes. A module sold as 16 GB typically represents 16 GiB, or 17,179,869,184 bytes. Use binary IEC units to make that distinction clear.
Can I use this for network speeds?
This page converts stored amounts, not rates. Use the Mbps to Gbps Converter for network speeds and download-time estimates. A byte has 8 bits, so MB and Mb are not interchangeable; real transfer speeds also depend on overhead.
How many photos or songs fit in a GB?
As a rough example, assume each photo is 5 MB or each song is 4 MB. One decimal GB could hold about 200 such photos or 250 such songs before other storage use. Actual file sizes vary with quality, format and duration.
Can I convert decimal units directly to binary units?
Yes. Choose any source and destination. One decimal GB is about 0.9313 GiB; one GiB is about 1,073.7418 MB. The underlying byte amount stays the same.
Results are estimates for general information only, not financial, medical or professional advice.