In this article, we’ll show you how to convert data transfer rates from gigabits per second (Gbps) to megabytes per second (MB/s or MBps). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Gbps and MB/s
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions and differences between Gbps and MB/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 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 × 106 = 8,000,000 bps1 MB/s = (8 × 106) ÷ 109 = 0.008 Gbps
Please refer to the FAQs section to find out when 1 MB/s = 0.008388608 Gbps.
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 MB/s (1,000,000,000 ÷ 8,000,000).
Gbps 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.
Multiplication formula for converting from Gbps to MB/s: R(MB/s) = R(Gbps) × 125
Or remember the Gbps-to-MBps conversion factor: 1 Gbps = 125 MB/s
Examples
Now, let's take a look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from gigabits to megabytes per second (Gbps to MB/s).
Convert 20 Gbps to MB/s
Write down 20 Gbps and multiply it by the Gbps-to-MBps conversion factor: 125 to get the rate value R in MB/s:
So, 20 gigabits per second is equal to 2,500 megabytes per second.
Alternatively, you can use our calculator by entering 20 into the Gbps box, and you instantly get the rate in MBps or MB/s, in this case, 2,500 MBps.
Gbps to MB/s conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting data rates from gigabits per second (Gbps) to megabytes per second (MB/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 | Megabytes per second |
|---|---|
| 0.1 Gbps | 12.5 MB/s |
| 0.5 Gbps | 62.5 MB/s |
| 1 Gbps | 125 MB/s |
| 2 Gbps | 250 MB/s |
| 4 Gbps | 500 MB/s |
| 5 Gbps | 625 MB/s |
| 10 Gbps | 1,250 MB/s |
| 20 Gbps | 2,500 MB/s |
| 30 Gbps | 3,750 MB/s |
| 40 Gbps | 5,000 MB/s |
| 50 Gbps | 6,250 MB/s |
| 60 Gbps | 7,500 MB/s |
| 70 Gbps | 8,750 MB/s |
| 80 Gbps | 10,000 MB/s |
| 90 Gbps | 11,250 MB/s |
| 100 Gbps | 12,500 MB/s |
| 200 Gbps | 25,000 MB/s |
| 500 Gbps | 62,500 MB/s |
| 800 Gbps | 100,000 MB/s |
| 1000 Gbps | 125,000 MB/s |
FAQs
Is 1 Gbps or 1 MB/s faster?
A gigabit per second (Gbps) is 125 times faster than a megabyte per second (MB/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 MB/s = 8 × 106 bits/s = 8,000 bps1 Gbps = 1,000,000,000 ÷ 8,000,000 = 125 MB/s1 MB/s = 8,000,000 ÷ 1,000,000,000 = 0.008 Gbps
How to convert from Gbps to MB/s?
To convert a data transfer rate from gigabits per second (Gbps) to megabytes per second (MB/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-MBpsconversion factor:125. - 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 = 8 × 220 = 8,388,608 bps1 MB/s = R(MB/s=>bps) ÷ R(Gbps=>bps) = (8 × 220) ÷ 109 = 8,388,608 ÷ 1,000,000,000 = 0.008388608 Gbps
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 KB/s1 MiB/s = 8 × 220 = 8,388,608 bps1 MiB/s = R(MiB/s=>bps) ÷ R(Gbps=>bps) = (8 × 220) ÷ 109 = 8,388,608 ÷ 1,000,000,000 = 0.008388608 Gbps
You now know how to convert data transfer rate from gigabits per second (Gbps) 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.
