Why is 1 GB not the same as 1 GiB?

Because GB is decimal and uses powers of 1000, while GiB is binary and uses powers of 1024. One GB is 1,000,000,000 bytes, but one GiB is 1,073,741,824 bytes.

When should I use GB versus GiB?

Use the unit that matches the number you were given. Download pages and storage plans often use decimal GB, while operating systems and technical tools often show binary GiB.

Why does this converter use bytes as the base?

Bytes are the shared anchor between decimal and binary storage units. Converting through bytes keeps every path consistent instead of relying on one-off shortcuts.

Does this estimate usable storage on a phone or SSD?

No. It only converts units. It does not estimate filesystem overhead, reserved space, vendor-specific labeling, or what a device will show after setup.

Can I use this for internet speed or transfer time?

No. This calculator is for file size and storage units only. Network speed and upload time calculations need separate bitrate and duration inputs.

File Size Converter

Convert file and storage sizes between bytes, decimal units, and binary units without mixing up GB and GiB. Useful for downloads, SSD capacity, upload limits, and cloud storage plans.

How It Works

Formula

b = v \times f_{\text{from}}

r = \dfrac{b}{f_{\text{to}}}

The calculator converts your entry into bytes first, then divides by the target unit factor. That keeps decimal SI units and binary IEC units aligned through the same base.

Reference factors used by the calculator (bytes per unit):