Convert between kilobytes and megabytes using binary (1024) conversion. Essential for file sizes, storage capacity, and data transfer calculations.
Last updated: March 2026 | By Patchworkr Team
There are two systems for measuring data: binary (base-2) and decimal (base-10). This calculator uses the binary system. Operating systems vary in usage: Windows and RAM applications use binary (base-1024), while modern systems like macOS and storage manufacturers use decimal (base-1000).
Decimal (SI standard): 1 KB = 1,000 bytes, 1 MB = 1,000 KB, 1 GB = 1,000 MB.
Binary (computing standard): 1 KiB = 1,024 bytes, 1 MiB = 1,024 KiB, 1 GiB = 1,024 MiB.
The terms MiB, GiB, etc. were standardized to eliminate ambiguity. However, MB is still informally used in both contexts, which causes confusion in practice.
Real-world example: a "1 GB" USB drive has 1 billion bytes (manufacturer marketing, decimal). Windows shows this as 953 MiB (binary calculation), not 1,000 MB. Both are correct—they just use different standards.
In binary (computer) notation: 1 MB = 1,024 KB. In decimal (SI) notation: 1 MB = 1,000 KB. This calculator uses binary, which is standard for file sizes and memory.
Computers use binary (base-2). 1024 = 2¹⁰, which is the closest power of 2 to 1000. This makes binary math efficient for computers, which is why storage is measured in powers of 1024.
MB (megabyte) = 1,000 KB per SI standard. MiB (mebibyte) = 1,024 KiB (binary). The "i" distinguishes binary units. Confusion arises because "MB" is often used informally for binary contexts, but the formal standard reserves MB for decimal (1,000) and MiB for binary (1,024).
Drive manufacturers use decimal (1 TB = 1,000 GB), but operating systems use binary (1 TB = 1,024 GB). 1 trillion bytes = 931 binary GB but 1,000 decimal GB. Both are correct for their systems.
Use binary (1024) for RAM, file systems in Windows/Linux, and technical measurements. Use decimal (1000) for storage marketing claims and international SI standards. When unclear, check your OS: Windows reports in binary MiB/GiB, macOS in decimal MB/GB. This calculator uses binary (1024) since it's standard for file and memory operations.
Divide MB by 1,024 to get GB (binary). For example, 5,120 MB ÷ 1,024 = 5 GB. Use our MB to GB converter for automatic calculations.
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