In this article, we’ll show you how to convert data transfer rates from gigabits per second (Gbps) to kilobytes per second (KB/s or KBps). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Gbps and KB/s
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions and differences between Gbps and KB/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 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 = 103 B = 1,000 B/s1 KB/s = 1,000 B/s × 8 = 8,000 bps1 KB/s= 8,000 bps ÷ 109 = 0.000008 Gbps
Please refer to the FAQs section to find out when 1 KB/s = 8 × 210 = 8,192 bps.
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 125,000 KB/s (1,000,000,000 ÷ 8,000).
Gbps 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.
Multiplication formula for converting from Gbps to KB/s: R(KB/s) = R(Gbps) × 125,000
Or remember the Gbps-to-KBps conversion factor: 1 Gbps = 125,000 KB/s
Examples
Now, let's take a look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from gigabits to kilobytes per second (Gbps to KB/s).
Convert 10 Gbps to KB/s
Write down 10 Gbps and multiply it by the Gbps-to-KBps conversion factor: 125,000 to get the rate value R in KB/s:
So, 10 gigabits per second is equal to 1,250,000 kilobytes per second.
Alternatively, you can use our calculator by entering 10 into the Gbps box, and you instantly get the rate in KBps or KB/s, in this case, 1,250,000 KBps.
Gbps to KB/s conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting data rates from gigabits per second (Gbps) to kilobytes per second (KB/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 | Kilobytes per second |
|---|---|
| 0.1 Gbps | 12,500 KB/s |
| 0.5 Gbps | 62,500 KB/s |
| 1 Gbps | 125,000 KB/s |
| 2 Gbps | 250,000 KB/s |
| 4 Gbps | 500,000 KB/s |
| 5 Gbps | 625,000 KB/s |
| 10 Gbps | 1,250,000 KB/s |
| 20 Gbps | 2,500,000 KB/s |
| 30 Gbps | 3,750,000 KB/s |
| 40 Gbps | 5,000,000 KB/s |
| 50 Gbps | 6,250,000 KB/s |
| 60 Gbps | 7,500,000 KB/s |
| 70 Gbps | 8,750,000 KB/s |
| 80 Gbps | 10,000,000 KB/s |
| 90 Gbps | 11,250,000 KB/s |
| 100 Gbps | 12,500,000 KB/s |
| 200 Gbps | 25,000,000 KB/s |
| 500 Gbps | 62,500,000 KB/s |
| 800 Gbps | 100,000,000 KB/s |
| 1000 Gbps | 125,000,000 KB/s |
FAQs
Is 1 Gbps or 1 KB/s faster?
A gigabit per second (Gbps) is 125,000 times faster than a kilobyte per second (KB/s). 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 KB/s = 8,000 bits/s = 8,000 bps1 Gbps = 1,000,000,000 ÷ 8,000 = 125,000 KB/s1 KB/s = 8,000 ÷ 1,000,000,000 = 8 × 10-6 = 0.000008 Gbps
How to convert from Gbps to KB/s?
To convert a data transfer rate from gigabits per second (Gbps) to kilobytes per second (KB/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-KBpsconversion factor:125,000. - 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 = 8 × 1,024 = 8,192 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 = 8 × 1,024 = 8,192 bps
You now know how to convert data transfer rate from gigabits per second (Gbps) 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.
