In this article, we’ll show you how to convert data from bytes (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 Byte and KB
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions and differences between Byte and Kilobyte. Understanding these terms will allow you to perform conversions confidently.
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).
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[1], 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[2], 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 B1 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.
Byte to kilobyte formula
Let’s take a closer look at the conversion formula so you can carry out these conversions independently, whether 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). So, to convert from byte to kilobyte, divide the number of bytes (NB) by the multiplier (1,000).
NKB = NB ÷ 1,000
Or remember the B-to-KB conversion factor: 1 B = 1/1,000 KB
Using binary (IEC) prefixes
The kibi- prefix in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) represents a multiplier of 1,024 (210). So, to convert from byte to kilobyte (or kibibyte), divide the number of bytes (NB) by the multiplier (1,024).
NKiB = NB ÷ 1,024
Or remember the B-to-KiB conversion factor: 1 B = 1/1,024 KiB
Examples
Now, let's take a look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from bytes to kilobytes (B to KB)?
Example
You have a music file that is 36,000 bytes (B) in size. What is the size of the sound file in kilobyte (KB)?
Using decimal (SI) prefixes
Since 1 kilobyte (KB) equals 1,000 bytes (B), we can convert 36,000 bytes to kilobytes by using the following formula:
So, the music file that is 36,000 bytes in size equals 36 KB.
Alternatively, you can use our calculator by entering 36000 into the b box, and you instantly get the storage value in kilobytes, in this case, 36 KB.
Using binary (IEC) prefixes
Since 1 kilobyte or 1 kibibyte (KiB) equals 1,024 bytes (B), we can convert 36,000 bytes to kibibytes by using the following formula:
So, the music file that is 36,000 bytes in size equals 35.15625 KiB.
Alternatively, you can use our calculator by entering 36000 into the b box, choose KiB = Kibibyte from the To box, and you instantly get the storage value in kibibytes, in this case, 35.15625 KB.
Byte to kilobyte conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting data storage capacity from bytes (B) to kilobytes (KB) and kibibytes (KiB). It covers a range from 0.1 B to 1,000 B, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Bytes | Kilobytes | Kibibytes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.1 B | 0.0001 KB | 0.00009765625 KiB |
| 0.5 B | 0.0005 KB | 0.00048828125 KiB |
| 1 B | 0.001 KB | 0.0009765625 KiB |
| 2 B | 0.002 KB | 0.001953125 KiB |
| 4 B | 0.004 KB | 0.00390625 KiB |
| 5 B | 0.005 KB | 0.0048828125 KiB |
| 10 B | 0.01 KB | 0.009765625 KiB |
| 20 B | 0.02 KB | 0.01953125 KiB |
| 30 B | 0.03 KB | 0.029296875 KiB |
| 40 B | 0.04 KB | 0.0390625 KiB |
| 50 B | 0.05 KB | 0.048828125 KiB |
| 60 B | 0.06 KB | 0.05859375 KiB |
| 70 B | 0.07 KB | 0.068359375 KiB |
| 80 B | 0.08 KB | 0.078125 KiB |
| 90 B | 0.09 KB | 0.087890625 KiB |
| 100 B | 0.1 KB | 0.09765625 KiB |
| 200 B | 0.2 KB | 0.1953125 KiB |
| 500 B | 0.5 KB | 0.48828125 KiB |
| 800 B | 0.8 KB | 0.78125 KiB |
| 1,000 B | 1 KB | 0.9765625 KiB |
FAQs
Is 1 byte or 1 kilobyte larger?
A kilobyte (KB) is a thousand times bigger than a byte (B). Here are the relationships between the units:
Decimal prefixes
1 KB = 1,000 B1 B = 1 ÷ 1,000 = 0.001 KB
Binary prefixes
1 KiB = 1,024 B1 B = 1 ÷ 1,024 = 0.0009765625 KB
How to convert from byte to kilobyte?
To convert data storage from bytes (B) to kilobytes (KB), follow these simple steps based on the standard you are using:
- Write down the data storage value in
bytes (B).
Decimal (SI) prefixes
- Multiply it by the value of a
B-to-KBconversion factor:1/1,000. - The result from multiplication is the value of the data storage in
kilobytes (KB).
Binary (IEC) prefixes
- Multiply it by the value of a
B-to-KiBconversion factor:1/1,024. - The result from multiplication is the value of the data storage in
kibibytes (KiB).
You now know how to convert data storage capacity from bytes (B) to kilobytes (KB). 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.
