Data Transfer Calculator
Calculate how long it takes to download or upload files based on connection speed
Important Notes
- This calculator estimates transfer times based on theoretical speeds.
- Actual download/upload times may vary based on network conditions, server load, and other factors.
- Internet service providers often quote speeds in megabits per second (Mbps), not megabytes (MB).
- Remember that 1 byte = 8 bits, so a 100 Mbps connection can transfer approximately 12.5 MB per second.
File Size Calculator: Convert Digital Storage Units Easily
This file size calculator helps you convert between different storage units like bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, and more. Just enter a number, select your units, and get instant conversions.
How to Use This File Size Calculator
- Type a number in the input box
- Select the current unit (bytes, KB, MB, etc.)
- View all conversions instantly
- Copy any result by clicking the copy button
The calculator shows your conversions right away - no need to click a button or refresh the page!
What Do File Size Units Mean?
File sizes are measured in these common units:
- Bit: The smallest unit of data (a single 0 or 1)
- Byte (B): 8 bits, enough to store one character
- Kilobyte (KB): About 1,000 bytes
- Megabyte (MB): About 1,000 kilobytes
- Gigabyte (GB): About 1,000 megabytes
- Terabyte (TB): About 1,000 gigabytes
- Petabyte (PB): About 1,000 terabytes
- Exabyte (EB): About 1,000 petabytes
The calculator converts between all these units automatically.
Binary vs Decimal Storage Units
Did you know there are two ways to count file sizes? This calculator works with both:
Decimal system (1 KB = 1,000 bytes):
- Kilobyte (KB) = 1,000 bytes
- Megabyte (MB) = 1,000,000 bytes
- Gigabyte (GB) = 1,000,000,000 bytes
Binary system (1 KiB = 1,024 bytes):
- Kibibyte (KiB) = 1,024 bytes
- Mebibyte (MiB) = 1,048,576 bytes
- Gibibyte (GiB) = 1,073,741,824 bytes
Use the toggle switch on the calculator to switch between these two systems.
Data Transfer Calculator: Find Out How Long It Takes to Move Files Between Devices
This data transfer calculator helps you figure out how long it will take to move files between your devices. Just enter your file size and transfer speed, and you'll get an instant time estimate.
How This Data Transfer Time Calculator Works
The calculator on this page uses a simple formula to estimate transfer times between devices:
- Type your file size in the first box
- Select the unit (MB, GB, or TB)
- Enter your transfer speed in the second box
- Choose the speed unit (Mbps or Gbps)
- Click the "Calculate" button to see results
Your estimated transfer time appears right below the calculator. Try changing the numbers to see how different file sizes or connection speeds affect transfer time.
Why Use a Transfer Time Calculator?
This calculator helps you plan ahead when:
- Moving files from your phone to your computer
- Transferring photos between devices
- Copying large video files to external drives
- Backing up data to portable storage
- Sharing files over a local network
Knowing transfer times helps you decide when to start transfers and how long you'll need to wait.
Real-World Transfer Time Examples
Here's how long transfers take with different file sizes and connection types:
| File Size | Connection Type | Transfer Speed | Transfer Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | USB 2.0 | 35 Mbps | 4 minutes |
| 5 GB | USB 3.0 | 500 Mbps | 1 minute, 20 seconds |
| 10 GB | Bluetooth 5.0 | 2 Mbps | 12 hours |
| 50 GB | Thunderbolt 3 | 5 Gbps | 1 minute, 20 seconds |
| 1 TB | Home Wi-Fi | 100 Mbps | 23 hours |
The calculator gives you exact times based on your actual file size and transfer speed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using This Calculator
- Look at the file you want to transfer and check its size (right-click → Properties)
- Enter that number in the "File Size" field
- Select MB, GB, or TB from the dropdown menu
- Enter your transfer speed (see our connection speed chart below)
- Select Mbps or Gbps for your speed
- Click the blue "Calculate" button
- View your estimated transfer time in the results section
The calculator shows hours, minutes, and seconds for your file transfer between devices.
Factors That Affect Your Actual Transfer Speed
Your real transfer times might be different because of:
- Connection type: USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or wired network
- Device limitations: Older devices might have slower ports
- Cable quality: Damaged or low-quality cables slow transfers
- File system: Different file systems handle transfers differently
- Other running processes: Programs using the same devices
The calculator gives you a best-case estimate assuming no major slowdowns.
The Difference Between Mbps and MBps
These similar-looking terms mean very different things:
- Mbps (megabits per second): How internet speeds are usually advertised
- MBps (megabytes per second): How file sizes are usually measured
There are 8 bits in a byte, so:
- 8 Mbps = 1 MBps
- 100 Mbps = 12.5 MBps
Our calculator handles this conversion for you automatically!
Interesting Facts About Data Transfers
- USB 1.0 (1996) transferred at just 12 Mbps while USB 4.0 reaches 40 Gbps
- Transferring a 4K movie over Bluetooth could take an entire day
- The fastest consumer data transfer technology (Thunderbolt 4) moves data at 40 Gbps
- Modern phones can transfer data faster than entire networks could in the 1990s
- Moving 1 TB over USB 2.0 takes about 63 hours, but only 3 minutes over Thunderbolt 4