Convert Bits to Gigabytes - Data Storage Converter
Use this converter to translate a value in bits (b) to gigabytes (GB). It follows the standard SI decimal convention used by storage vendors and many network planning tools.
For contexts that require binary prefixes (GiB), see the methodology notes to understand how the underlying bit-to-byte relationship combines with prefix choices.
Interactive Converter
Convert between bit and gigabyte with precision rounding.
Quick reference table
| Bit | Gigabyte |
|---|---|
| 1 b | 0 GB |
| 5 b | 0 GB |
| 10 b | 0 GB |
| 25 b | 0 GB |
| 50 b | 0 GB |
| 100 b | 0 GB |
Methodology
Base relationship: 1 byte = 8 bits. Decimal (SI) prefixes use powers of 10, so 1 gigabyte (GB) = 1,000,000,000 bytes.
Conversion path (decimal): bits → bytes (÷8) → gigabytes (÷1,000,000,000). Combined: GB = bits ÷ (8 × 10^9).
Binary context: if you need gibibytes (GiB), use 1 GiB = 1,073,741,824 bytes. The bit-to-byte step remains ÷8; replace the divisor with 1,073,741,824 for GiB.
Worked examples
8,000,000,000 bits → 8,000,000,000 ÷ (8 × 1,000,000,000) = 1 GB.
40,000,000,000 bits → 5 GB (decimal).
8,589,934,592 bits → 1 GiB (binary reference) because 8,589,934,592 ÷ (8 × 1,073,741,824) = 1.
Key takeaways
Apply GB = bits ÷ (8 × 10^9) for decimal gigabytes; use 1,073,741,824 in place of 10^9 if you need gibibytes.
Expert Q&A
Which convention does this tool use by default?
The default is decimal SI prefixes: 1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes. Use the binary notes if you need GiB.
Why do some systems show smaller values in GB than I expect?
Many operating systems use binary units (GiB) but label them as GB, leading to smaller displayed numbers. The underlying byte count is the same; the difference is the divisor (1,000,000,000 vs 1,073,741,824).
How should I round for reports?
Keep full precision for calculations. Round to the number of decimal places required by your audience or specification—common practice is 2–3 decimals for summaries and more for engineering or billing.
Sources & citations
- NIST — SI prefixes and unit definitions — https://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Units/prefixes.html
- NIST — Binary prefixes (IEC) reference — https://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Units/binary.html
- ISO/IEC quantities and units overview — https://www.iso.org/standard/43348.html