How to Convert Bytes to Bits (B to bit)
Data conversions explain why a 1 TB drive shows less space on your computer and help compare mobile plans sold in gigabytes. This guide shows how to convert bytes into bits by hand, with examples and a quick-reference table.
The conversion
To convert bytes to bits, multiply the value by 8. To go the other way, divide by the same number (or multiply by 0.125). For a quick estimate, multiply by about 8.
Bits = bytes × 8
Worked examples
- 3 B = 24 bit
- 12.5 B = 100 bit
- 75 B = 600 bit
Bytes to Bits table
| Bytes | Bits |
|---|---|
| 1 B | 8 bit |
| 2 B | 16 bit |
| 5 B | 40 bit |
| 10 B | 80 bit |
| 20 B | 160 bit |
| 25 B | 200 bit |
| 50 B | 400 bit |
| 100 B | 800 bit |
| 250 B | 2,000 bit |
| 500 B | 4,000 bit |
| 1,000 B | 8,000 bit |
Common questions
Is B to bit exact?
The factors used here are the internationally defined values where they exist; results are rounded for display only.
How do I convert back?
Use the Bits to Bytes converter.
Mistakes to avoid
Mixing similar-sounding units
US and imperial gallons, pints and tons are different sizes, and decimal kilobytes differ from binary kibibytes.
Forgetting squared and cubed units
Area and volume factors are the length factor squared or cubed, so 1 m² is about 10.76 sq ft, not 3.28.
Multiplying when you should divide
Converting to a smaller unit gives a bigger number, and converting to a larger unit gives a smaller one. If your answer moves the wrong way, you have inverted the factor.
Background
Unit conversion is simply multiplication by a fixed ratio. The ratio between two units of the same quantity never changes, so once you know it you can convert any value in either direction.
Singapore adopted the metric system in the 1970s, replacing imperial units and traditional Chinese measures in most official uses. Metric units are now standard in schools, trade and government, but older units survive in property, markets and imported goods.
A conversion table is handy for common values, but a calculator is faster and avoids interpolation errors for anything in between.
For any value, use the Bytes to Bits Converter or browse all data storage converters.
Run your own numbers: Bytes to Bits Converter