Last updated: January 31, 2025

Byte to Bit Converter

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In this article, we’ll show you how to convert data from bytes (B) to bits (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 byte and bit. 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.

Since one byte equals 8 bits, therefore one bit equals 1/8 bytes or 0.125 bytes or 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.

Byte to bit 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.

Formula for converting from Byte to bit: Nb = NB × 8

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

Where:

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

Or remember the B-to-b conversion factor: 1 B = 8 b

Examples

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

Example 1

You have a sound file that is 1,200 bytes (B) in size. What is the size of the sound file in bits (b)?

Since 1 byte equals 8 bits, we can convert 1,200 bytes to bits by using the following formula:

$$\text{N}_\text{b} = \text{N}_\text{B} \times 8$$
$$\text{N}_\text{b} = 1200 \times 8 = 9600 \text{ bits}$$

So, the sound file that is 1,200 bytes in size equals 9,600 bits.

Alternatively, you can use our calculator by entering 1200 into the b box, and you instantly get the storage value in bits, in this case, 9,600 b.

Convert 1,200 bytes to bits using our calculator
Convert 1,200 bytes to bits using our calculator.

Example 2

Mia is working on a simple text-based messaging application. She wants to know how much storage in bits is required to store a text message of 128 bytes.

Since 1 byte equals 8 bits, she can calculate the storage size in bits by multiplying the number of bytes by 8, as shown in the formula below:

$$\text{N}_\text{b} = {\text{N}_\text{B}} \times 8$$
$$\text{N}_\text{b} = 128 \times 8 = 1,024 \text{ b}$$

So, a text message that is 128 bytes in size requires 1,024 bits of storage.

Byte to bit conversion table

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

BytesBits
0.1 B0.8 b
0.5 B4 b
1 B8 b
2 B16 b
4 B32 b
5 B40 b
10 B80 b
20 B160 b
30 B240 b
40 B320 b
50 B400 b
60 B480 b
70 B560 b
80 B640 b
90 B720 b
100 B800 b
200 B1,600 b
500 B4,000 b
800 B6,400 b
1,000 B8,000 b
Bytes to bits 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 represents a binary value (0 or 1). Here are the relationships between the units:

  • 1 B = 8 b
  • 1 b = 1/8 = 0.125 B

How to convert from byte to bit?

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

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

You now know how to convert data storage capacity from bytes (B) to bits (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.

Byte to Bit Converter

About this app

Byte to Bit Converter

The byte to bit (B to b) converter is a simple tool for converting data storage between bytes (B) and bits (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