Convert Bits to Bytes - Data Storage Converter
This converter turns a value expressed in bits (b) into bytes (B) using the exact relationship 1 byte = 8 bits. It is useful for sizing payloads, estimating storage, or translating network measurements into byte-based units.
For most networking and storage contexts, prefixes (k, M, G) follow decimal SI powers of 10. The same 8-bit relationship applies when using binary prefixes (Ki, Mi, Gi); see the methodology notes for how to stay unambiguous.
Interactive Converter
Convert between bit and byte with precision rounding.
Quick reference table
| Bit | Byte |
|---|---|
| 1 b | 0.13 B |
| 5 b | 0.63 B |
| 10 b | 1.25 B |
| 25 b | 3.13 B |
| 50 b | 6.25 B |
| 100 b | 12.5 B |
Methodology
Fundamental identity: 1 byte = 8 bits. The converter divides the bit value by 8 to obtain bytes.
Prefix awareness: decimal prefixes (k, M, G) mean powers of 10 (1 kbit = 1,000 bits). Binary prefixes (Ki, Mi, Gi) mean powers of 2 (1 Kibit = 1,024 bits). The bit→byte factor (÷8) is constant; choose the correct prefix system for your context.
Precision and rounding: results are exact for the defined relationship. Round only for presentation to match reporting requirements or instrument precision.
Worked examples
640 bits → 640 ÷ 8 = 80 bytes.
4,096 bits → 512 bytes.
1,000,000 bits → 125,000 bytes.
Key takeaways
Divide bits by 8 to get bytes. Be clear about prefix conventions (decimal vs binary) when working with larger units.
Expert Q&A
Is 1 byte always 8 bits?
Yes. Modern standards define a byte as 8 bits. Historical architectures with other byte sizes are rare and not used in current specifications.
Do I need to worry about decimal vs binary prefixes here?
The bit-to-byte factor is always ÷8. Just ensure you know whether the input uses decimal prefixes (k=1,000) or binary prefixes (Ki=1,024) when interpreting larger units.
How should I round the result?
Keep full precision for calculations and round only for display, typically to whole bytes. Follow any precision rules required by your report, contract, or billing system.
Sources & citations
- NIST — Reference on Units, Symbols, and Prefixes — https://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Units/
- IEC binary prefixes overview — https://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Units/binary.html
- ISO/IEC quantities and units (overview of binary prefixes) — https://www.iso.org/standard/43348.html