In this article, we’ll show you how to convert data transfer rates from bits per second (bps) to kilobytes per second (KB/s). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of bps and KB/s
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions and differences between bps and KB/s. Understanding these terms will allow you to perform conversions confidently.
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 × 10-3 KB/s or 0.000125 KB/s or 1.25 × 10-4 KB/s.
What is Kilobytes per second (KB/s)?
A Kilobyte per second (KB/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 KBps, KB/s, Kbyte/s, or Kilobyte/s.
Since a byte equals eight bits (1B = 8b), a kilobyte per second equals eight kilobits per second (1 KB/s = 8 Kbps).
In the International System of Units (SI), data storage and transfer rate units uses the decimal multiples of bytes (103), which means:
1 KB/s = 1,000 B/s1 KB/s = 1,000 B/s × 8 = 8,000 bps
Please refer to the FAQs section to find out when 1 KB/s = 8 × 210 = 8,192 bps.
bps to KB/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 KB/s: R(KB/s) = R(bps) ÷ 8,000
Decimal formula: R(KB/s) = R(bps) × 0.000125
Scientific notion formula: R(KB/s) = R(bps) × (1.25 × 10-4)
Or remember the bps-to-KBps conversion factor: 1 bps = 0.000125 KB/s
Examples
Now, let's take a look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from bits per second to kilobytes per second (bps to KB/s).
Convert 540 bps to KB/s
Write down 540 bps and multiply it by the bps-to-KBps conversion factor: 0.000125 or 1/8000 to get the rate value in KB/s:
So, 540 bits per second is equal to 0.0675 kilobytes per second.
Alternatively, you can use our calculator by entering 540 into the bps box, and you instantly get the rate value in KB/s or KBps, in this case, 0.0675 KBps.
bps to KB/s conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting data rates from bits per second (bps) to kilobytes per second (KB/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 | Kilobytes per second |
|---|---|
| 0.1 bps | 0.0000125 KB/s |
| 0.5 bps | 0.0000625 KB/s |
| 1 bps | 0.000125 KB/s |
| 2 bps | 0.00025 KB/s |
| 4 bps | 0.0005 KB/s |
| 5 bps | 0.000625 KB/s |
| 10 bps | 0.00125 KB/s |
| 20 bps | 0.0025 KB/s |
| 30 bps | 0.00375 KB/s |
| 40 bps | 0.005 KB/s |
| 50 bps | 0.00625 KB/s |
| 60 bps | 0.0075 KB/s |
| 70 bps | 0.00875 KB/s |
| 80 bps | 0.01 KB/s |
| 90 bps | 0.01125 KB/s |
| 100 bps | 0.0125 KB/s |
| 200 bps | 0.025 KB/s |
| 500 bps | 0.0625 KB/s |
| 800 bps | 0.1 KB/s |
| 1000 bps | 0.125 KB/s |
FAQs
Is 1 bps or 1 KB/s faster?
A kilobyte per second (KB/s) is eight thousand 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 KB/s = 1,000 B/s1 KB/s = 8 x 1,000 = 8,000 bps1 bps = 1/8,000 = 0.000125 KB/s
How to convert from bps to KB/s?
To convert a data transfer rate from bits per second (bps) to kilobytes per second (KB/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-KBpsconversion factor:0.000125or1/8000. - The result from multiplication is the value of the transfer rate in
kilobytes per second (KB/s).
Is 1 kilobyte per second (KB/s) equal to 1,024 bytes or 1,000 bytes per second?
1 KB/s can be defined as either 1,000 B/s (SI convention) or 1,024 B/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 KB/s = 210 Bytes/s = 1,024 B/s1 KB/s = 1,024 B/s × 8 bits/s = 8,192 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 Kilobyte per second (KB/s), you can use Kibibyte per second (KiB/s or KiBps) to refer to the binary system specifically:
1 KiB/s = 210 Bytes/s = 1,024 B/s1 KiB/s = 1,024 B/s × 8 bits/s = 8,192 bps
You now know how to convert data transfer rate from bits per second (bps) to kilobytes per second (KB/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.
