Convert Bits per Second to Kilobits per Second - Data Transfer Converter
This converter translates data rates expressed in bits per second (bps) to kilobits per second (kbps). In most networking and broadband contexts, the SI decimal prefix is used, where 1 kilobit (kb) = 1000 bits.
We also explain the alternative binary interpretation (kibibit = 1024 bits), when it appears in legacy tools or storage contexts, and provide practical notes on measurement precision and how network overhead affects observed throughput.
Interactive Converter
Convert between bit per second and kilobit per second with precision rounding.
Quick reference table
| Bit per Second | Kilobit per Second |
|---|---|
| 1 bps | 0 kbps |
| 5 bps | 0.01 kbps |
| 10 bps | 0.01 kbps |
| 25 bps | 0.03 kbps |
| 50 bps | 0.05 kbps |
| 100 bps | 0.1 kbps |
Methodology
Primary conversion uses the SI decimal prefix: divide the bit rate (bps) by 1,000 to get kilobits per second (kbps). This follows international metric conventions for kilo as 10^3.
When systems or legacy tools use binary prefixes, a kibibit (Kibit) equals 1024 bits. Converting to kibibits per second requires dividing bps by 1024; this is distinct from the SI kilobit and is less common for network link-rate reporting.
Practical measurement notes: instrument precision, protocol overhead (headers, framing, retransmits), and sampling windows all affect measured throughput. Use averaged samples and report units explicitly (kbps vs Kibit/s) to avoid ambiguity.
Worked examples
Example 1: 1500 bps → 1500 ÷ 1000 = 1.5 kbps (decimal kilobits per second).
Example 2: 1500 bps → 1500 ÷ 1024 ≈ 1.4648 Kibit/s (binary kibibits per second).
Example 3: 8000 bps → (8000 ÷ 8) ÷ 1000 = 1 KB/s (one kilobyte per second using decimal byte units).
Further resources
Expert Q&A
Is kbps equal to 1000 bps or 1024 bps?
By SI metric convention, kbps uses kilo = 1,000, so 1 kbps = 1,000 bps. The 1,024 value belongs to binary prefixes (kibi, mebi) standardized for digital information; 1 kibibit (Kibit) = 1,024 bits. Always check whether the source uses SI (decimal) or binary prefixes.
Why does my router report different speeds than my speed test?
Router link rates often report physical-layer maximums while speed tests measure application-layer throughput. Factors such as protocol overhead (Ethernet, IP, TCP/UDP), encryption, retransmissions, and the test server path reduce observed throughput. Averaging measurements and specifying the unit (kbps vs Mbps) clarifies comparisons.
How should I display precision and rounding?
Round to a number of significant digits appropriate for the measurement method. For small values (under 100), two decimal places can be useful; for large values, use integer or one decimal. Always show the unit and whether decimal (SI) or binary prefixes were used.
What's the difference between kbps and KB/s?
kbps (lowercase k, lowercase b) denotes kilobits per second. KB/s (uppercase B) denotes kilobytes per second; 1 byte = 8 bits. To convert bits per second to kilobytes per second, divide bps by 8, then by 1,000 for decimal kilobytes.
Are there authoritative standards for these prefixes?
Yes. SI (metric) prefixes such as kilo = 10^3 are defined by international standards bodies. Binary prefixes (kibi, mebi) are standardized for discrete data quantities. Use the standardized names to avoid ambiguity.
Sources & citations
- BIPM — SI prefixes and units — https://www.bipm.org/en/measurement-units/si-prefixes
- NIST — SI Prefixes (National Institute of Standards & Technology) — https://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Units/prefixes.html
- FCC — Broadband Speed Guide (practical measurement notes) — https://www.fcc.gov/general/broadband-speed-guide