File Size Converter

What is File Size?

File size represents the amount of data stored in a digital file. It is measured in bytes and multiples of bytes. Understanding file sizes helps you manage storage, monitor downloads, and optimize digital media.

Standard Units of File Size

• Byte (B): The basic unit of digital information, equivalent to 8 bits.
• Kilobyte (KB): 1,024 bytes. Commonly used for small text documents.
• Megabyte (MB): 1,024 KB or 1,048,576 bytes. Used for larger documents, images, and small audio files.
• Gigabyte (GB): 1,024 MB or over 1 billion bytes. Standard for videos, software, and large files.
• Terabyte (TB): 1,024 GB or over 1 trillion bytes. Used for massive storage systems and data centers.
• Petabyte (PB): 1,024 TB or over 1 quadrillion bytes. Used in enterprise-level data storage.

Conversion Formula

File size conversions use the binary standard (base-2):

• 1 KB = 1,024 bytes
• 1 MB = 1,024 KB = 1,048,576 bytes
• 1 GB = 1,024 MB = 1,073,741,824 bytes
• 1 TB = 1,024 GB
• 1 PB = 1,024 TB

Example Conversion

If you have a file that is 2,048 MB, what is its size in GB?

• Formula: File Size (GB) = File Size (MB) ÷ 1,024
• Calculation: 2,048 ÷ 1,024 = 2 GB

Practical Applications

• Cloud Storage: Understanding file sizes helps manage your storage quotas on platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive.
• Downloads: Knowing file sizes helps estimate download times based on your internet speed.
• Video Streaming: Larger file sizes typically mean higher quality but require faster internet connections.
• Mobile Devices: Important for managing limited storage on phones and tablets.