Data Storage Converter
The data storage converter handles both decimal units (where 1 KB = 1000 bytes, used by hard drive manufacturers and storage providers) and binary units (where 1 KiB = 1024 bytes, used by operating systems). This difference explains why a 500 GB hard drive shows as roughly 465 GiB in Windows. Understanding both systems helps you read storage specs accurately and avoid confusion.
Decimal vs Binary
Decimal SI units use powers of 1000: KB, MB, GB, TB. Binary IEC units use powers of 1024: KiB, MiB, GiB, TiB. The converter displays both systems together so the difference is visible immediately.
File Size Examples
| File type | Typical size | GB equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Text file (1 page) | 5 KB | 0.000005 GB |
| MP3 song (3 min) | 4 MB | 0.004 GB |
| JPEG photo | 3 MB | 0.003 GB |
| RAW photo (DSLR) | 25 MB | 0.025 GB |
| HD movie (2 hr) | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| 4K movie (2 hr) | 50 GB | 50 GB |
| PC game | 50–100 GB | 50–100 GB |
| Windows 11 install | 20 GB | 20 GB |
FAQ
What is the difference between GB and GiB?
GB is decimal: 1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes. GiB is binary: 1 GiB = 1,073,741,824 bytes.
Why does my 1TB hard drive show less than 1TB in Windows?
Drive makers usually advertise decimal TB. Windows often reports binary TiB, so 1 TB appears as about 931 GiB.
What is a bit and how does it relate to a byte?
A bit is a single binary digit. One byte contains 8 bits.
What is the difference between storage and memory (RAM)?
Storage keeps files long term. RAM is fast temporary working memory used while programs run.
How many GB is 1 TB?
Using decimal storage units, 1 TB equals 1000 GB.