File Size Converter
Convert between bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, and more
Conversion Results
Enter a value to see conversions
Unit Information
- Byte: The basic unit of digital information
- KB (Kilobyte): 1,024 bytes
- MB (Megabyte): 1,048,576 bytes (1,024 KB)
- GB (Gigabyte): 1,073,741,824 bytes (1,024 MB)
- TB (Terabyte): 1,099,511,627,776 bytes (1,024 GB)
- PB (Petabyte): 1,125,899,906,842,624 bytes (1,024 TB)
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.
When to Use This Calculator
This calculator helps when you need to:
- Check if a file will fit on your USB drive
- See if you have enough space to download a movie
- Figure out how many photos will fit on your phone
- Convert file sizes for uploading to websites
- Understand storage requirements for backups
Just enter your file size in any unit, and the calculator shows all other units instantly.
File Size Examples for Everyday Items
Here's what different file sizes look like in real life:
| Item | Typical Size |
|---|---|
| Text message | 1 KB |
| Word document | 100 KB |
| MP3 song | 5 MB |
| Digital photo | 3-5 MB |
| 1-hour movie (HD) | 2-4 GB |
| Video game | 50-100 GB |
| 4K movie | 100 GB |
| Laptop storage | 256 GB - 1 TB |
| External hard drive | 1-5 TB |
Step-By-Step Guide to Converting File Sizes
- Look at the file size you want to convert (check your computer's file explorer)
- Enter that number in the calculator's input field
- Select the correct unit from the dropdown menu (KB, MB, GB, etc.)
- All conversions appear automatically in the results section
- Use the copy button next to any result if you need to paste it somewhere else
The calculator handles all the math for you - no need for complicated formulas!
Interesting Facts About Digital Storage
- A single byte can store one character like 'A' or '9'
- The first 1 GB hard drive (1980) was the size of a refrigerator
- Today's microSD cards can hold thousands of times more data
- The entire printed collection of the US Library of Congress is about 10 TB
- All words ever spoken by humans would take about 5 exabytes of storage
- Your brain's storage capacity is estimated at 2.5 petabytes
Common Questions About File Sizes
How do I convert bytes to kilobytes or megabytes?
Use this calculator! Enter your number of bytes, and it shows the equivalent in KB, MB, and other units. For manual calculation: 1 KB = 1,000 bytes and 1 MB = 1,000,000 bytes.
Why does my file size look different on different devices?
Some systems use the binary counting method (1 KB = 1,024 bytes) while others use the decimal system (1 KB = 1,000 bytes). This calculator shows both so you can compare.
What unit should I use for measuring my files?
Use the unit that makes the number easy to read. For small files, use KB. For medium files, use MB. For large files, use GB or TB. This calculator helps you pick the best unit.
How can I check a file's size on my computer?
On Windows: Right-click the file and select "Properties"
On Mac: Right-click and select "Get Info"
On smartphones: Find the file in your Files app and look for size details
How much storage space do I need for my files?
It depends on what you store. Use this calculator to add up your file sizes:
- Photos: About 3-5 MB each
- Songs: About 5 MB each
- Videos: About 500 MB - 4 GB each
- Documents: Usually under 1 MB each
Other Helpful Tools
If you found this file size calculator useful, you might also like:
- Data transfer time calculator
- Internet speed converter
- Image size converter
- Video file size estimator
- Cloud storage cost calculator
Try those tools to manage your digital storage even better!