How to Convert Megabytes to Bytes (MB to B)
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 megabytes into bytes by hand, with examples and a quick-reference table.
The conversion
To convert megabytes to bytes, multiply the value by 1,000,000. To go the other way, divide by the same number (or multiply by 1.000000e-06). For a quick estimate, multiply by about 1,000,000.
Bytes = megabytes × 1,000,000
Worked examples
- 3 MB = 3,000,000 B
- 12.5 MB = 12,500,000 B
- 75 MB = 75,000,000 B
Megabytes to Bytes table
| Megabytes | Bytes |
|---|---|
| 1 MB | 1,000,000 B |
| 2 MB | 2,000,000 B |
| 5 MB | 5,000,000 B |
| 10 MB | 10,000,000 B |
| 20 MB | 20,000,000 B |
| 25 MB | 25,000,000 B |
| 50 MB | 50,000,000 B |
| 100 MB | 100,000,000 B |
| 250 MB | 250,000,000 B |
| 500 MB | 500,000,000 B |
| 1,000 MB | 1,000,000,000 B |
Common questions
Is MB to B 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 Bytes to Megabytes converter.
Mistakes to avoid
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.
Mixing similar-sounding units
US and imperial gallons, pints and tons are different sizes, and decimal kilobytes differ from binary kibibytes.
Dropping the units
A bare number without a unit is easy to misread later. Always write the unit with the result.
Background
Many conversion factors are exact by definition. The inch has been defined as exactly 2.54 centimetres since 1959, and the pound as exactly 0.45359237 kilograms, so conversions involving them can be as precise as you need.
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.
Writing the units next to every number while you work is the simplest way to avoid mistakes. If the units do not cancel to leave the one you want, the calculation is set up wrongly.
For any value, use the Megabytes to Bytes Converter or browse all data storage converters.
Run your own numbers: Megabytes to Bytes Converter