Digital Storage Converter
What is Digital Storage Converter
A digital storage converter translates a file or drive size between bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes, and petabytes. Operating systems and hardware makers do not always agree on the math: Windows reports a "1GB" file using 1024-based (binary) steps, while a hard drive box advertises capacity using 1000-based (decimal) steps. This tool converts in both modes so you can match whichever number you are comparing against.
How to use
- Type a number into any of the six fields (Bytes, KB, MB, GB, TB, or PB).
- Watch the other fields update instantly with the equivalent size.
- Switch between Binary (1024) and Decimal (1000) mode depending on the source of your number.
- Click the copy icon next to any field to copy that value.
- Click Clear to reset all fields and start a new conversion.
When to use it
Ever bought a "1TB" drive and had your computer show only 931GB free? That gap is the binary-vs-decimal mismatch: drive makers advertise 1TB as 1,000,000,000,000 bytes, while your OS divides by 1024 at every step. Type 1 into TB, switch modes, and watch the GB field jump between 1000 and 931.32 so you know exactly which number to trust.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my hard drive show less space than advertised?
Storage manufacturers calculate capacity in decimal (1TB = 1,000,000,000,000 bytes), while operating systems display it in binary (1TB = 1,099,511,627,776 bytes divided down through KB/MB/GB steps of 1024). A "1TB" drive showing "931GB" in Windows is the same amount of physical storage, just measured with a different yardstick.
What is the difference between KB and KiB?
KB (kilobyte) technically means 1000 bytes under the SI decimal standard, while KiB (kibibyte) means 1024 bytes. In practice, most software (including this tool's "Binary" mode) uses KB to mean 1024 bytes anyway, which is why the distinction matters when you need to be precise about which system a number comes from.
Which mode should I use, binary or decimal?
Use Binary (1024) when converting a size reported by an operating system, a file manager, or RAM specs. Use Decimal (1000) when converting a size advertised by a drive, SSD, or network bandwidth (ISPs use decimal for megabits and gigabits per second).
How many bytes are in a petabyte?
In binary mode, 1 petabyte (PB) equals 1024 terabytes, or 1,125,899,906,842,624 bytes. In decimal mode, 1 PB equals 1000 terabytes, or 1,000,000,000,000,000 bytes.
Can I share this tool with my inputs pre-filled?
Yes. The URL updates automatically as you type. Copy it from the address bar or use the Share button, anyone who opens the link will see your exact inputs ready to go.
Related tools
Aspect Ratio Calculator
Calculate aspect ratios, find a missing width or height, and resize images or video while keeping the same proportions. Free and instant.
Base64 Decoder
Decode Base64 strings to plain text instantly in your browser. Supports full Unicode output including emojis. Free online Base64 decoder.
Base64 Encoder
Encode any text to Base64 instantly in your browser. Supports Unicode, emojis and special characters. Free online Base64 encoder.