MBits to MBytes Converter

Understanding Bits and Bytes

When dealing with digital data and internet speeds, understanding the difference between bits and bytes is essential. These two units are often confused but represent different measurements of digital information.

The Fundamental Difference

The basic difference between bits and bytes is:

•
Bit (b): The smallest unit of digital data, represented as either a 0 or 1
•
Byte (B): A group of 8 bits

A key formula to remember:

1 Byte = 8 Bits

1 MB = 8 Mb

When to Use Bits vs. Bytes

Bits (b) are used for:

Network/internet speeds
Data transfer rates
Bandwidth measurements
Denoted with lowercase "b" (Mb, Gb)

Bytes (B) are used for:

File sizes
Storage capacity
Memory measurements
Denoted with uppercase "B" (MB, GB)

Common Units and Prefixes

Prefix	Symbol	Value	Example
Kilo	k	1,000 (10³)	1 kb = 1,000 bits
Mega	M	1,000,000 (10⁶)	1 Mb = 1,000,000 bits
Giga	G	1,000,000,000 (10⁹)	1 Gb = 1,000,000,000 bits
Tera	T	1,000,000,000,000 (10¹²)	1 Tb = 1,000,000,000,000 bits

Why This Matters for Internet Speeds

When your internet service provider (ISP) advertises speeds, they almost always use bits per second (bps), not bytes per second. This is why:

•
A "100 Mbps" connection means 100 megabits per second
•
This equals 12.5 MB/s (megabytes per second)
•
Download speed is often shown in MB/s in browsers and download managers

Common Misconception:

Many people are disappointed when they get a 100 Mbps connection but see downloads at "only" 12.5 MB/s. This isn't a problem—it's just the difference between bits and bytes!

Real-World Applications

Understanding bits and bytes is crucial for:

•
Calculating download times: If you have a 50 Mbps connection, you can download a 50 MB file in approximately 8 seconds (50 MB ÷ 6.25 MB/s)
•
Streaming requirements: Streaming 4K video requires approximately 25 Mbps (or 3.125 MB/s)
•
Choosing internet plans: Understanding your actual speed needs in the correct units helps you select the right plan

Guide

How to Convert Mbps to MB/s

To convert megabits per second (Mbps) to megabytes per second (MB/s), follow these steps:

1
Take the number of megabits per second (Mbps)
2
Divide by 8 (1 byte = 8 bits)

Example:

8 Mbps = 8 / 8 = 1 MB/s

16 Mbps = 16 / 8 = 2 MB/s

100 Mbps = 100 / 8 = 12.5 MB/s

Examples

Common Examples

Example 1 8 Mbps

8 Mbps = 1 MB/s

Example 2 16 Mbps

16 Mbps = 2 MB/s

Example 3 100 Mbps

100 Mbps = 12.5 MB/s

Example 4 1000 Mbps

1000 Mbps = 125 MB/s

Enter Your Megabits

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