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File Size Converter

Convert file sizes between bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, and terabytes.

About the File Size Calculator

File sizes scale from bytes up to terabytes, and converting between them is a frequent need when checking storage space, upload limits, or download sizes. This calculator converts any file size between bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, and terabytes instantly.

How It Works

The calculator converts your input value to bytes using the binary (1024-based) scale that operating systems typically use for file sizes, then converts that byte value into your target unit.

Value (bytes) = Input × 1024^(unit power); Result = Value (bytes) / 1024^(target unit power). 1 KB = 1024 B, 1 MB = 1024 KB, 1 GB = 1024 MB, 1 TB = 1024 GB.

Example

Scenario: Converting 2.5 GB to megabytes.

Result: 2.5 GB equals 2,560 MB.

Assumptions & Limitations

  • Uses the binary (1024-based) definition of kilobyte, megabyte, etc., which matches how Windows, macOS, and most operating systems report file and storage sizes.
  • Some contexts (like hard drive marketing) use a decimal 1000-based definition instead, which would produce slightly different numbers.
  • Storage device manufacturers often advertise capacity using the decimal (1000-based) standard, which is why a '1TB' drive shows less than 1024 GB of usable space when viewed in most operating systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my hard drive show less space than advertised?
Storage manufacturers typically use the decimal definition (1 TB = 1,000,000,000,000 bytes) for marketing, while operating systems display capacity using the binary definition (1 TB = 1024 GB in binary terms), so a drive shows a smaller number than the label suggests.
What is the difference between KB and kb?
A capital B (KB, MB, GB) refers to bytes, while a lowercase b (Kb, Mb, Gb) refers to bits — since one byte equals 8 bits, mixing these up can cause an 8x error, which matters especially when comparing file sizes to internet speeds.
How many photos fit in a gigabyte?
It depends heavily on photo resolution and format, but a typical modern smartphone photo (3-5 MB) means roughly 200-300 photos could fit in a single gigabyte.

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