Last updated: January 30, 2025

Bit to Byte Converter

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In this article, we’ll show you how to convert data from bits (b) to bytes (B). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.

Definitions of bit and byte

Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions and differences between b and B. Understanding these terms will allow you to perform conversions confidently.

What is bit?

A bit (b) is the smallest unit to measure data storage[1]. It can only represent two possible values: 0 or 1. It has symbols or abbreviations as b.

What is a bit?
Definitions of bit

It is essentially a tiny switch that can be either off [0] or on [1]. It can represent a basic meaning such as true/false, yes/no, or on/off.

One bit equals 0.125 bytes (1b = 0.125 B).

What is byte (B)?

A Byte (B) is a standard unit of digital information used for data storage. It consists of 8 bits, which gives it a total of 256 possible values (from 0 to 255).

1 Byte equals 8 bits
1 Byte = 8 bits = 256 possible values

It can represent a single character in the ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) encoding system.

So, storing a text file that contains 800 characters would take up data storage of approximately 800 bytes.

Bit to byte formula

Let’s take a closer look at the conversion formula so you can carry out these conversions independently, whether you're using a calculator or doing it manually with pencil and paper.

Fraction formula for converting from bit to Byte: NB = Nb ÷ 8

$$\text{N}_\text{B} = \frac{\text{N}_\text{b}}{8}$$

Where:

  • Nb represents the number of bits.
  • NB represents the number bytes.

Decimal formula: NB = Nb × 0.125

$$\text{N}_\text{B} = \text{N}_\text{b} \times 0.125$$

Or remember the b-to-B conversion factor: 1 b = 0.125 B

Examples

Now, let's take a look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from bits to bytes (b to B)?

Example 1: Imagine you have a text file that contains 1,024 bits (b). What is the size of the text file in bytes (B).

Write down 1,024 b and divide it by 8 to get the file size in bytes (B):

$$\text{N}_\text{B} = \frac{\text{N}_\text{b}}{8}$$
$$\text{N}_\text{B} = \frac{1024}{8} = 128 \text{ B}$$

So, the text file size is 128 bytes.

Alternatively, you can use our calculator by entering 1024 into the b box, and you instantly get the storage value in B, in this case, 128 B.

Convert 1024 bits to bytes with our calculator
Convert 1,024 bits to bytes using our calculator.

Example 2: Bob has an old photo file stored on his computer that is exactly 256,000 bits. He wants to convert this size into bytes to understand its storage requirements better.

To convert 256,000 bits to bytes, divide the number of bits by 8, since 1 byte equals 8 bits. We can also use our formula:

$$\text{N}_\text{B} = \frac{\text{N}_\text{b}}{8}$$
$$\text{N}_\text{B} = \frac{256,000}{8} = 32,000 \text{ B}$$

Therefore, Bob's old photo file that is 256,000 bits in size is equivalent to 32,000 bytes.

Bit to byte conversion table

The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting data storage capacity from bits (b) to bytes (B). It covers a range from 0.1 b to 1,000 b, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.

BitsBytes
0.1 b0.0125 B
0.5 b0.0625 B
1 b0.125 B
2 b0.25 B
4 b0.5 B
5 b0.625 B
10 b1.25 B
20 b2.5 B
30 b3.75 B
40 b5 B
50 b6.25 B
60 b7.5 B
70 b8.75 B
80 b10 B
90 b11.25 B
100 b12.5 B
200 b25 B
500 b62.5 B
800 b100 B
1,000 b125 B
Bits to Bytes conversion table

FAQs

Is 1 bit or 1 byte larger?

A byte (B) is eight times bigger than a bit (b). A bit (b) is the smallest unit for measuring data storage capacity. Here are the relationships between the units:

  • 1 B = 8 b
  • 1 b = 1/8 = 0.125 B

How to convert from b to B?

To convert a data storage from bits (b) to bytes (B), follow the simple steps below:

  • Write down the data storage value in bits (b).
  • Multiply it by the value of a b-to-B conversion factor: 0.125 or 1/8.
  • The result from multiplication is the value of the data storage in bytes (B).

Can a byte represent values other than characters?

With eight bits (256 potential values), a byte can be more than just individual characters. It can store other kinds of data in the following ways:

  • Numerical values: A byte can store whole numbers, often ranging from 0 to 255 or from -128 to 127, depending on the context.
  • Binary Data: Each bit of raw binary data, such as network packets, audio samples, or photographs, can be represented by a byte.
  • Control Codes: Certain byte values (such as the beginning of transmission) are utilized for control purposes in communication protocols and do not translate into printable characters.
  • Colors: each byte consists of 8 bits that can be allocated among the red, green, and blue components to determine their intensities.

In summary, the value of a byte is determined by its context, whether in text, binary data, numerical values, control codes, colors, or other specialized applications within computing systems.

You now know how to convert data storage capacity from bits (b) to bytes (B). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the data storage units to save time for future calculations.

For further understanding, check our data storage converter page to learn more about the differences between decimal and binary units of data storage.

Bit to Byte Converter

About this app

Bit to Byte Converter

The bit to byte (b to B) converter is a simple tool for converting data storage between bits (b) and bytes (B), with explanations, formulas, examples, and tables.

Availability

You can use the calculator for free as a PWA web app online or install it locally on any modern operating system, including Android, iOS, Windows 11/10, and macOS.

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References

1 Source

  1. ⬆️ IEC 60027-2: Letter symbols to be used in electrical technology - Part 2: Telecommunications and electronics. Published 2019. Accessed April 19, 2024.

    https://webstore.iec.ch/publication/30633