MB ↔ KB Converter
Convert between megabytes and kilobytes instantly
📚 Megabytes ↔ Kilobytes Conversion Details
Binary System (Computer)
In binary (base-2) system used by computers:
- 1 Kilobyte (KB) = 1,024 Bytes
- 1 Megabyte (MB) = 1,024 Kilobytes
- Based on powers of 2 (2¹⁰ = 1,024)
Decimal System (Metric)
In decimal (base-10) metric system:
- 1 Kilobyte (KB) = 1,000 Bytes
- 1 Megabyte (MB) = 1,000 Kilobytes
- Based on powers of 10 (10³ = 1,000)
Bidirectional Conversion
This converter works both ways simultaneously:
- Type in MB → KB updates automatically
- Type in KB → MB updates automatically
- Toggle between binary/decimal systems
- No buttons to click - works as you type
Common Uses
- File size calculations
- Storage capacity planning
- Data transfer estimations
- Memory allocation
💾 How This Converter Works
This is a bidirectional converter that works in real-time with two measurement systems:
- Binary System (Default): 1 MB = 1,024 KB - Used by computers and operating systems
- Decimal System: 1 MB = 1,000 KB - Used by storage manufacturers and metric system
- MB → KB: When you type in the MB field, the KB field automatically updates
- KB → MB: When you type in the KB field, the MB field automatically updates
KB = MB × 1,024
MB = KB ÷ 1,024
// Decimal Conversion Logic (Metric):
KB = MB × 1,000
MB = KB ÷ 1,000
// Example (Binary): Type "2" in MB
KB = 2 × 1,024 = 2,048
// Example (Decimal): Type "2" in MB
KB = 2 × 1,000 = 2,000
📊 Conversion Table (Binary System)
| Megabytes (MB) | Kilobytes (KB) | Bytes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 MB | 512 KB | 524,288 Bytes |
| 1 MB | 1,024 KB | 1,048,576 Bytes |
| 2 MB | 2,048 KB | 2,097,152 Bytes |
| 5 MB | 5,120 KB | 5,242,880 Bytes |
| 10 MB | 10,240 KB | 10,485,760 Bytes |
| 50 MB | 51,200 KB | 52,428,800 Bytes |
🤔 Why Two Systems Exist?
The Binary vs Decimal Confusion:
- Computers use Binary: Computers work in binary (base-2), so 1 KB = 2¹⁰ = 1,024 bytes
- Manufacturers use Decimal: Hard drive makers use decimal (base-10), so 1 KB = 10³ = 1,000 bytes
- Operating Systems: Windows uses binary (shows 1 KB = 1,024 bytes)
- Marketing: Using decimal makes storage seem larger (1 TB = 1,000 GB vs 1,024 GB)
Example: A 500 GB hard drive has:
- Manufacturer claims: 500 × 1,000 × 1,000 × 1,000 = 500,000,000,000 bytes
- Windows shows: 500,000,000,000 ÷ 1,024 ÷ 1,024 ÷ 1,024 ≈ 465 GB
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
A: Binary: 1 MB = 1,024 KB (used by computers). Decimal: 1 MB = 1,000 KB (used by manufacturers).
A: Use binary for computer calculations (file sizes, memory). Use decimal for storage devices or metric conversions.
A: Manufacturers use decimal (1 GB = 1,000 MB), while Windows uses binary (1 GB = 1,024 MB), so 1 TB drive shows as about 931 GB in Windows.
A: In computing, yes. But in the metric system and storage marketing, 1 MB = 1,000 KB.