In this article, we’ll show you how to convert data transfer rates from bits per second (bps) to gigabytes per second (GB/s). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of bps and GB/s
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions and differences between bps and GB/s. Understanding these terms will allow you to perform conversions confidently.
Data transfer rates utilize International System of Units (SI) prefixes to simplify measuring and comparing. This standardization helps in conversions and understanding data transfer.
The table below shows all the SI prefixes and the associated symbols, multipliers, and colloquials.
What is bits per second (bps)?
A bit per second (bps) is the smallest unit to measure data transfer rates[1]. It can only represent two possible values: 0 or 1. It has symbols or abbreviations such as bps, bd/s, or bit/s.
Since a byte equals eight bits (1B = 8b), a bit equals 1/8 B/s or 1/8 × 10-9 GB/s or 0.000000000125 GB/s or 1.25 × 10-10 GB/s.
What is Gigabytes per second (GB/s)?
A Gigabyte per second (GB/s) is a unit of measurement for data transfer rates used when data is transferred between internal drives or over a local computer network.
It has symbols or abbreviations such as GBps, GB/s, Gbyte/s, or Gigabyte/s.
Since a byte equals eight bits (1B = 8b), a gigabyte per second equals eight gigabits per second (1 GB/s = 8 Gbps).
In the International System of Units (SI), data storage and transfer rate units uses the decimal multiples of bytes (109), which means:
1 GB/s = 109 = 1,000,000,000 B/s1 GB/s = 8 × 1,000,000,000 = 8,000,000,000 bps
Please refer to the FAQs section to find out when 1 GB/s = 8 × 230 = 8,589,934,592 bps.
bps to GB/s 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 bps to GB/s: R(GB/s) = R(bps) ÷ 8,000,000,000
Decimal formula: R(GB/s) = R(bps) × 0.000000000125
Scientific notion formula: R(GB/s) = R(bps) × (1.25 × 10-10)
Or remember the bps-to-GBps conversion factor: 1 bps = 0.000000000125 GB/s
Examples
Now, let's take a look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from bits per second to gigabytes per second (bps to GB/s).
Convert 2400 bps to GB/s
Write down 2400 bps and multiply it by the bps-to-GBps conversion factor: 0.000000000125 or 1/8,000,000,000 to get the rate value in GB/s:
So, 2,400 bits per second is equal to 0.0000003 gigabytes per second.
Alternatively, you can use our calculator by entering 2400 into the bps box, and you instantly get the rate value in GB/s or GBps, in this case, 0.0000003 GBps or 3 × 10-7 GBps or 3e-7 GB/s.
bps to GB/s conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting data rates from bits per second (bps) to gigabytes per second (GB/s). It covers a range from 0.1 bps to 1,000 bps, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Bits per second | Gigabytes per second |
|---|---|
| 0.1 bps | 0.0000000000125 GB/s |
| 0.5 bps | 0.0000000000625 GB/s |
| 1 bps | 0.000000000125 GB/s |
| 2 bps | 0.00000000025 GB/s |
| 4 bps | 0.0000000005 GB/s |
| 5 bps | 0.000000000625 GB/s |
| 10 bps | 0.00000000125 GB/s |
| 20 bps | 0.0000000025 GB/s |
| 30 bps | 0.00000000375 GB/s |
| 40 bps | 0.000000005 GB/s |
| 50 bps | 0.00000000625 GB/s |
| 60 bps | 0.0000000075 GB/s |
| 70 bps | 0.00000000875 GB/s |
| 80 bps | 0.00000001 GB/s |
| 90 bps | 0.00000001125 GB/s |
| 100 bps | 0.0000000125 GB/s |
| 200 bps | 0.000000025 GB/s |
| 500 bps | 0.0000000625 GB/s |
| 800 bps | 0.0000001 GB/s |
| 1000 bps | 0.000000125 GB/s |
FAQs
Is 1 bps or 1 GB/s faster?
A gigabyte per second (GB/s) is eight billion times faster than a bit per second (bps). A bit per second (bps) is the smallest unit for measuring data transfer rates. Here are the relationships between the units:
1 B/s = 8 bps1 GB/s = 1 × 109 = 1,000,000,000 B/s1 GB/s = 8 x 109 = 8,000,000,000 bps1 bps = 1 ÷ (8 x 109) = 1/8 x 10-9 = 0.000000000125 GB/s
How to convert from bps to GB/s?
To convert a data transfer rate from bits per second (bps) to gigabytes per second (GB/s), follow the simple steps below:
- Write down the rate value in
bits per second (bps). - Multiply it by the value of a
bps-to-GBpsconversion factor:0.000000000125or1/8,000,000,000. - The result from multiplication is the value of the transfer rate in
gigabytes per second (GB/s).
Is 1 gigabyte per second (GB/s) equal to 1,024 megabytes or 1,000 megabytes per second?
1 GB/s can be defined as either 1,000 MB/s (SI convention) or 1,024 MB/s (binary convention), depending on which standard you choose to use.
In the binary system, where used by most computer operating systems (e.g. Windows, macOS, and Linux), units are powered by two instead of 10, which means:
1 GB/s = 210 Megabytes/s = 1,024 MB/s1 GB/s = 230 bytes/s = 1,073,741,824 B/s1 GB/s = 8 × 1,073,741,824 = 8,589,934,592 bps
To avoid this confusion, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) introduced new prefixes for the binary system.
The table below lists all binary prefixes, their symbols, and multipliers for the byte unit.
So, instead of using Gigabyte per second (GB/s), you can use Gibibyte per second (GiB/s or GiBps) to refer to the binary system specifically:
1 GiB/s = 210 Mebibytes/s = 1,024 MiB/s1 GiB/s = 230 bytes/s = 1,073,741,824 B/s1 GiB/s = 8 × 1,073,741,824 = 8,589,934,592 bps
You now know how to convert a data transfer rate from bits per second (bps) to gigabytes per second (GB/s). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the rate 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.
