Bit to KB Converter

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

Definitions of bit, byte, and kilobyte

Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions and differences between bit, byte, and kilobyte. 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.

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.

What is Kilobyte (KB)?

A kilobyte (KB) is a unit of measurement for data storage used to measure files or memory that are small in size, typically under one million bytes.

It has symbols or abbreviations such as KB, Kbyte, KiB, or Kibyte.

When using International System of Units (SI) prefixes^[2], which are based on powers of 10, a kilobyte (KB) equals 1,000 bytes.

1 KB = 10³ = 1,000 B

The table below shows all the SI prefixes and the associated symbols, multipliers, and colloquial.

When using International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) binary prefixes^[3], which are based on powers of 2, a kilobyte (KB) equals 1,024 bytes.

1 KB = 2¹⁰ = 1,024 B

The IEC defined a set of binary prefixes to avoid confusion with the decimal-based SI prefixes. The table below shows all the binary prefixes, associated symbols, and its multipliers.

Here is a comparison between the binary and SI prefixes for data storage:

1 KB = 10³ = 1,000 B
1 KiB = 2¹⁰ = 1,024 B

For general communication, you can use SI prefixes as they are familiar with the metric system, while for more accurate contexts, you should use IEC binary prefixes.

Bit to kilobyte 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.

Using decimal (SI) prefixes

The kilo- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) represents a multiplier of 1,000 (10³), while a byte equals 8 bits.

To convert bit (b) to kilobyte (KB), divide the number of bits (N_b) by 8,000, since 1 kilobyte equals 8,000 bits.

N_KB = N_b ÷ 8,000

\text{N}_\text{KB} = \frac{\text{N}_\text{b}}{8{,}000}

Where:

N_b represents the number of bits.
N_KB represents the number kilobytes.

Using binary (IEC) prefixes

The kibi- prefix in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) represents a multiplier of 1,024 (2¹⁰).

To convert from bits to kibibytes (kilobytes in binary system), divide the number of bits (N_b) by 8,192, since 1 kibibyte equals 1,024 bytes or (1,024 × 8) bits.

N_KiB = N_b ÷ 8,192

\text{N}_\text{KiB} = \frac{\text{N}_\text{b}}{8{,}192}

Where:

N_b represents the number of bits.
N_KiB represents the number kilobytes in binary system.

Examples

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

Example

Dara has a photo file stored on his computer that is exactly 2,048,000 bits. What is the size of the photo file in kilobytes (KB)?

Solution 1: Decimal System

To calculate the actual file size in kilobytes from bits using the decimal system, take 2,048,000 bits and divide it by 8,000 to find the file size in kilobytes (KB).

$$\text{N}_\text{KB} = \frac{\text{N}_\text{b}}{8{,}000}$$

$$\text{N}_\text{KB} = \frac{2{,}048{,}000}{8{,}000} = \boxed{256 \text{ KB}}$$

Therefore, the photo file size of 2,048,000 bits equals 256 KB.

Solution 2: Binary System

To calculate the actual file size in kilobytes from bits using the binary system, take 2,048,000 bits and divide it by 8,192 to find the file size in kibibytes (KiB).

$$\text{N}_\text{KiB} = \frac{\text{N}_\text{b}}{8{,}192}$$

$$\text{N}_\text{KiB} = \frac{2{,}048{,}000}{8{,}192} = \boxed{250 \text{ KiB}}$$

Therefore, the photo file size of 2,048,000 bits equals 250 KiB.

Bit to kilobyte conversion table

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

Bits	Kilobytes (KB)	Kibibytes (KiB)
0.1 bits	0.0000125 KB	0.00001220703125 KiB
0.5 bits	0.0000625 KB	0.00006103515625 KiB
1 bits	0.000125 KB	0.0001220703125 KiB
2 bits	0.00025 KB	0.000244140625 KiB
3 bits	0.000375 KB	0.0003662109375 KiB
4 bits	0.0005 KB	0.00048828125 KiB
5 bits	0.000625 KB	0.0006103515625 KiB
6 bits	0.00075 KB	0.000732421875 KiB
7 bits	0.000875 KB	0.0008544921875 KiB
8 bits	0.001 KB	0.0009765625 KiB
9 bits	0.001125 KB	0.0010986328125 KiB
10 bits	0.00125 KB	0.001220703125 KiB
20 bits	0.0025 KB	0.00244140625 KiB
30 bits	0.00375 KB	0.003662109375 KiB
40 bits	0.005 KB	0.0048828125 KiB
50 bits	0.00625 KB	0.006103515625 KiB
60 bits	0.0075 KB	0.00732421875 KiB
70 bits	0.00875 KB	0.008544921875 KiB
80 bits	0.01 KB	0.009765625 KiB
90 bits	0.01125 KB	0.010986328125 KiB
100 bits	0.0125 KB	0.01220703125 KiB
200 bits	0.025 KB	0.0244140625 KiB
300 bits	0.0375 KB	0.03662109375 KiB
400 bits	0.05 KB	0.048828125 KiB
500 bits	0.0625 KB	0.06103515625 KiB
600 bits	0.075 KB	0.0732421875 KiB
700 bits	0.0875 KB	0.08544921875 KiB
800 bits	0.1 KB	0.09765625 KiB
900 bits	0.1125 KB	0.10986328125 KiB
1,000 bits	0.125 KB	0.1220703125 KiB

Bits to kilobytes conversion table (decimal and binary system).

FAQs

How many bits is in a KB?

There are eight thousand bits (8,000 b) in a kilobyte (KB). A bit (b) is the smallest unit for measuring data storage capacity. Here are the relationships between the data measurement units.

Decimal System

1 KB = 8,000 b
1 b = 1/8,000 KB
1 b = 0.000125 KB

Binary Sytem

1 KiB = 8,192 b
1 b = 1/8,192 KiB
1 b = 0.0009765625 KiB

How to convert from bits to KB?

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

Step 1: Write down the data storage value in bits (b).

Decimal System

Step 2: Divide it by eight thousand (8,000 or 8×10³).
Step 3: The result is the value of the data storage in kilobytes (KB).

Binary Sytem

Step 2: Divide it by 8,192 (8×2¹⁰).
Step 3: The result is the value of the data storage in kibibytes (KiB).

You now know how to convert data storage capacity from bits (b) to kilobytes (KB) using both decimal and binary methods. You can quickly use our calculator to convert between data storage units, saving 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.