File Size Converter

Convert file sizes between Bytes, KB, MB, GB, TB, and PB.

Introduction

What Is File Size Conversion?

File size conversion is the process of translating a digital storage measurement — like Megabytes or Gigabytes — into a different unit. It matters because storage sizes are used everywhere: checking how much space a download needs, comparing cloud storage plans, or understanding why a “500 GB” drive shows less space than expected.


Most confusion comes from two different counting systems. Storage manufacturers typically use the decimal system (1 KB = 1,000 bytes), while operating systems often use the binary system (1 KB = 1,024 bytes). This is exactly why a drive labeled 500 GB can show up as roughly 465 GB in your file explorer — both numbers are “correct,” just using different math.


Our File Size Converter calculates both binary and decimal results side by side, so you always know exactly what you’re looking at.

How to Use

How to Use the File Size Converter

Convert file sizes instantly — no setup, no installation required.

1
Enter Your Value
Type the number you want to convert, e.g. 1024.
2
Select the "From" Unit
Choose the unit your value is currently in — Bytes, KB, MB, GB, or TB.
3
Select the "To" Unit
Choose the unit you want to convert to.
4
Click Convert
Instantly see the converted value in both binary and decimal formats.
Labels

Tool Widget Labels

Practical Examples
Avoid These Mistakes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming all "KB/MB/GB" numbers use the same math

A file manager, a download page, and a storage manufacturer's spec sheet may each calculate sizes differently (binary vs. decimal), leading to numbers that don't quite match.

Confusing bits with bytes

Internet speeds are usually measured in megabits (Mbps), while file sizes are measured in megabytes (MB). 1 byte = 8 bits, so mixing these up can make a download time estimate wildly wrong.

Rounding too early

Converting in stages (e.g., MB → GB → TB) and rounding at each step can introduce small errors; convert directly between the two units you actually need.

Ignoring the difference between storage and transfer

A file's size on disk and the time it takes to transfer over a network are related but not the same calculation; this tool covers storage size, not transfer speed.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about file sizes and unit conversion.
Why does my 500 GB drive show less than 500 GB of space?
Storage manufacturers use the decimal system (1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes), while your operating system typically displays sizes using the binary system (1 GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes). The drive isn’t missing space — it’s just being measured two different ways.
KB (kilobyte) traditionally means 1,000 or 1,024 bytes depending on context, while KiB (kibibyte) always specifically means 1,024 bytes. Most everyday tools, including this converter, use the common “KB” naming even when applying binary math.
In binary terms, 1 GB equals 1,024 MB. In decimal terms, 1 GB equals 1,000 MB. This converter shows both
Both exist depending on the counting system used — 1,000 GB in decimal, 1,024 GB in binary. Operating systems generally use the binary version.
This converter covers Bytes through Terabytes, which covers the vast majority of everyday use cases like file downloads, storage plans, and drive capacities.