In this article, we’ll show you how to convert data transfer rates from bits per second (bps) to megabytes per second (MB/s). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of bps and MB/s
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions and differences between bps and MB/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 × 10-6 MB/s or 0.000000125 MB/s or 1.25 × 10-7 MB/s.
What is Megabytes per second (MB/s)?
A Megabyte per second (MB/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 MBps, MB/s, Mbyte/s, or Megabyte/s.
Since a byte equals eight bits (1B = 8b), a megabyte per second equals eight megabits per second (1 MB/s = 8 Mbps).
In the International System of Units (SI), data storage and transfer rate units uses the decimal multiples of bytes (106), which means:
1 MB/s = 106 = 1,000,000 B/s1 MB/s = 8 × 1,000,000 = 8,000,000 bps
Please refer to the FAQs section to find out when 1 MB/s = 8 × 220 = 8,388,608 bps.
bps to MB/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 MB/s: R(MB/s) = R(bps) ÷ 8,000,000
Decimal formula: R(MB/s) = R(bps) × 0.000000125
Scientific notion formula: R(MB/s) = R(bps) × (1.25 × 10-7)
Or remember the bps-to-MBps conversion factor: 1 bps = 0.000000125 MB/s
Examples
Now, let's take a look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from bits per second to megabytes per second (bps to MB/s).
Convert 1600 bps to MB/s
Write down 1600 bps and multiply it by the bps-to-MBps conversion factor: 0.000000125 or 1/8,000,000 to get the rate value in MB/s:
So, 1,600 bits per second is equal to 0.0002 megabytes per second.
Alternatively, you can use our calculator by entering 1600 into the bps box, and you instantly get the rate value in MB/s or MBps, in this case, 0.0002 MBps.
bps to MB/s conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting data rates from bits per second (bps) to megabytes per second (MB/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 | Megabytes per second |
|---|---|
| 0.1 bps | 0.0000000125 MB/s |
| 0.5 bps | 0.0000000625 MB/s |
| 1 bps | 0.000000125 MB/s |
| 2 bps | 0.00000025 MB/s |
| 4 bps | 0.0000005 MB/s |
| 5 bps | 0.000000625 MB/s |
| 10 bps | 0.00000125 MB/s |
| 20 bps | 0.0000025 MB/s |
| 30 bps | 0.00000375 MB/s |
| 40 bps | 0.000005 MB/s |
| 50 bps | 0.00000625 MB/s |
| 60 bps | 0.0000075 MB/s |
| 70 bps | 0.00000875 MB/s |
| 80 bps | 0.00001 MB/s |
| 90 bps | 0.00001125 MB/s |
| 100 bps | 0.0000125 MB/s |
| 200 bps | 0.000025 MB/s |
| 500 bps | 0.0000625 MB/s |
| 800 bps | 0.0001 MB/s |
| 1000 bps | 0.000125 MB/s |
FAQs
Is 1 bps or 1 MB/s faster?
A megabyte per second (MB/s) is eight million 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 MB/s = 1,000,000 B/s1 MB/s = 8 x 1,000,000 = 8,000,000 bps1 bps = 1/8,000,000 = 0.000000125 MB/s
How to convert from bps to MB/s?
To convert a data transfer rate from bits per second (bps) to megabytes per second (MB/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-MBpsconversion factor:0.000000125or1/8,000,000. - The result from multiplication is the value of the transfer rate in
megabytes per second (MB/s).
Is 1 megabyte per second (MB/s) equal to 1,024 kilobytes or 1,000 kilobytes per second?
1 MB/s can be defined as either 1,000 KB/s (SI convention) or 1,024 KB/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 MB/s = 210 Kilobytes/s = 1,024 KB/s1 MB/s = 220 bytes/s = 1,048,576 B/s1 MB/s = 8 × 1,048,576 = 8,388,608 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 Megabyte per second (MB/s), you can use Mebibyte per second (MiB/s or MiBps) to refer to the binary system specifically:
1 MiB/s = 210 Kibibytes/s = 1,024 KiB/s1 MiB/s = 220 bytes/s = 1,048,576 B/s1 MiB/s = 8 × 1,048,576 = 8,388,608 bps
You now know how to convert a data transfer rate from bits per second (bps) to megabytes per second (MB/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.
