In this article, we’ll show you how to convert data transfer rates from gigabits per second (Gbps) to gigabytes per second (GB/s or GBps). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Gbps and GB/s
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions and differences between Gbps and GB/s. Understanding these terms will allow you to perform conversions confidently.
Both units use International System of Units (SI) prefixes to simplify measuring and comparing data transfer rates. This standardization aids in conversions and understanding data transfer.
The table below shows all the SI prefixes and the associated symbols, multipliers, and colloquials.
What is Gigabits per second (Gbps)?
A Gigabit per second (Gbps) is a unit of measurement for data transfer rates used when transferring data over the Internet via a 5G mobile network or a superhigh-speed fiber optic connection between Internet companies.
It is part of the International System of Units (SI)[1] and uses decimal multiples of bits (109).
It has symbols or abbreviations such as Gbps, Gb/s, Gbit/s, or Gigabit/s.
One gigabit per second equals one billion bits per second or 1,000,000,000 bps or 0.125 GB/s (1,000,000,000 ÷ 8,000,000,000).
What is Gigabytes per second (GB/s)?
A Gigabyte per second (GB/s) measures data transfer rates during transfers between internal drives or over a local computer network using high-speed SSDs (Solid State Drives) and gigabit networks.
It has symbols or abbreviations such as GBps, GB/s, Gbyte/s, or Gigabyte/s.
Since a byte equals eight bits (1B = 8b), a gigabyte per second equals eight gigabits per second (1 GB/s = 8 Gbps).
1 GB/s = 8 Gbps
Please refer to the FAQs section to find out when 1 GB/s ≈ 8.59 Gbps.
In the International System of Units (SI), data storage and transfer rate units uses the decimal multiples of bytes (109), which means:
1 GB/s = 109 B/s = 1,000,000,000 B/s1 GB/s = 8 × 109 = 8,000,000,000 bps
Gbps to GB/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.
Since the Gbps and GB/s shared the same giga- prefix, it means a GB/s equals 8 Gbps. Therefore, to convert from Gbps to GB/s: R(GB/s) = R(Gbps) ÷ 8
Or
Or remember the Gbps-to-GBps conversion factor: 1 Gbps = 0.125 GB/s
Examples
Now, let's take a look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from gigabits to gigabytes per second (Gbps to GB/s).
Convert 50 Gbps to GB/s
Write down 50 Gbps and multiply it by the Gbps-to-GBps conversion factor: 0.125 to get the rate value R in GB/s:
So, 50 gigabits per second is equal to 6.25 gigabytes per second.
Alternatively, you can use our calculator by entering 50 into the Gbps box, and you instantly get the rate in GBps or GB/s, in this case, 6.25 GBps.
Gbps to GB/s conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting data rates from gigabits per second (Gbps) to gigabytes per second (GB/s). It covers a range from 0.1 Gbps to 1,000 Gbps, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Gigabits per second | Gigabytes per second |
|---|---|
| 0.1 Gbps | 0.0125 GB/s |
| 0.5 Gbps | 0.0625 GB/s |
| 1 Gbps | 0.125 GB/s |
| 2 Gbps | 0.25 GB/s |
| 4 Gbps | 0.5 GB/s |
| 5 Gbps | 0.625 GB/s |
| 10 Gbps | 1.25 GB/s |
| 20 Gbps | 2.5 GB/s |
| 30 Gbps | 3.75 GB/s |
| 40 Gbps | 5 GB/s |
| 50 Gbps | 6.25 GB/s |
| 60 Gbps | 7.5 GB/s |
| 70 Gbps | 8.75 GB/s |
| 80 Gbps | 10 GB/s |
| 90 Gbps | 11.25 GB/s |
| 100 Gbps | 12.5 GB/s |
| 200 Gbps | 25 GB/s |
| 500 Gbps | 62.5 GB/s |
| 800 Gbps | 100 GB/s |
| 1,000 Gbps | 125 GB/s |
FAQs
Is 1 Gbps or 1 GB/s faster?
A gigabyte per second (GB/s) is eight times faster than a gigabit per second (Gbps). A bit per second (bps) is the smallest unit for measuring data transfer rates. Here are the relationships between the units.
1 Gbps = 1 × 109 bps = 1,000,000,000 bps1 GB/s = 8 × 109 bits/s = 8,000,000,000 bps1 Gbps = 1,000,000,000 ÷ 8,000,000,000 = 0.125 GB/s1 GB/s = 8,000,000,000 ÷ 1,000,000,000 = 8 Gbps
How to convert from Gbps to GB/s?
To convert a data transfer rate from gigabits per second (Gbps) to gigabytes per second (GB/s), follow the simple steps below:
- Write down the rate value in
gigabits per second (Gbps). - Multiply it by the value of a
Gbps-to-GBpsconversion factor:0.125. - The result from multiplication is the value of the transfer rate in
gigabytes per second (GB/s).
Is 1 gigabyte per second (GB/s) equal to 1,024 megabytes or 1,000 megabytes per second?
1 GB/s can be defined as either 1,000 MB/s (SI convention) or 1,024 MB/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 GB/s = 1 × 210 Megabyte/s = 1,024 MB/s1 GB/s = 8 × 210 Megabits/s = 8,192 Mbps1 GB/s = 1 × 230 byte/s = 1,073,741,824 B/s1 GB/s = 8 x 230 bps = 8,589,934,592 bps1 GB/s = 8 x 230 bps ÷ 109 = 8.589,934,592 ≈ 8.59 Gbps
To avoid this confusion, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)[2] 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 Gigabyte per second (GB/s), you can use Gibibyte per second (GiB/s or GiBps) to refer to the binary system specifically:
1 GiB/s = 1 × 210 Mebibyte/s = 1,024 MiB/s1 GiB/s = 1 × 230 byte/s = 1,073,741,824 B/s1 GiB/s = 8 x 230 bps = 8,589,934,592 bps1 GិB/s = 8 x 230 bps ÷ 109 = 8.589,934,592 ≈ 8.59 Gbps
You now know how to convert data transfer rate from gigabits per second (Gbps) to gigabytes per second (GB/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.
