GB to TB Converter

This article will show how to convert data from gigabytes (GB) to terabytes (TB). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.

Definitions of GB and TB

Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions and differences between Gigabyte and Terabyte. Understanding these terms will allow you to perform conversions confidently.

What is a Gigabyte (GB)?

A gigabyte (GB) is a unit of measurement for data storage used to measure device capacity, files, or memory that are large, typically between one billion and one trillion bytes.

It has symbols or abbreviations such as GB, Gbyte, GiB, or Gibyte.

When using International System of Units (SI) prefixes^[1], which are based on powers of 10, a gigabyte (GB) equals 1,000,000,000 bytes.

• 1 GB = 103 MB = 1,000 MB
• 1 GB = 109 B = 1,000,000,000 B

When using International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) binary prefixes^[2], which are based on powers of 2, a gigabyte (GB) equals 1,073,741,824 bytes.

• 1 GiB = 210 MiB = 1,024 MiB
• 1 GiB = 230 B = 1,073,741,824 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.

What is a Terabyte (TB)?

A terabyte (TB) is a unit of measurement for data storage used to measure hard drive capacity, files, or memory that are very large, typically between one trillion and one quadrillion bytes.

It has symbols or abbreviations such as TB, Tbyte, TiB, or Tibyte.

When using SI prefixes^[1], which are based on powers of 10, a terabyte (TB) equals 1,000,000,000,000 bytes.

• 1 TB = 103 GB = 1,000 GB
• 1 TB = 1012 B = 1,000,000,000,000 B

When using IEC binary prefixes^[2], which are based on powers of 2, a terabyte (TB) equals 1,099,511,627,776 bytes.

• 1 TiB = 210 GiB = 1,024 GiB
• 1 TiB = 240 B = 1,099,511,627,776 B

GB to TB 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 table below shows all the SI prefixes and the associated symbols, multipliers, and colloquials.

The giga- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) represents a multiplier of 109 (1,000,000,000) and tera- represents a multiplier of 1012 (1,000,000,000,000).

So, to convert from gigabytes to terabytes, divide the number of gigabytes (NGB) by 1,000.

NTB = NGB × 10-3 = NGB ÷ 1,000

Or remember the GB-to-TB conversion factor: 1 GB = 10-3 = 0.001 TB

Using binary (IEC) prefixes

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 their multipliers.

The gibi- prefix in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) represents a multiplier of 230 (1,073,741,824) and tebi- represents a multiplier of 240 (1,099,511,627,776).

So, to convert from gibibytes to tebibytes, divide the number of gibibytes (NGiB) by 1,024.

NTiB = NGiB × 2-10 = NGiB ÷ 1,024

Or remember the GiB-to-TiB conversion factor: 1 GiB = 2-10 = 0.0009765625 TiB

Examples

Now, let's take a look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from gigabytes to terabytes (GB to TB).

Example

John works as a video producer on a big-budget documentary for a television show. His crew has shot countless hours of footage in multiple countries, featuring stunning landscapes and powerful interviews. Now he's faced with organizing and storing all the raw video material.

The total data comes out to 8,200 gigabytes. He needs to convert that figure into terabytes to secure enough storage space for the project.

To accurately determine the size of the project in terabytes, he begins by converting measurements into both decimal and binary units to avoid mistakes while preparing the necessary storage space.

Option 1: Using decimal (SI) prefixes

Since 1 terabyte (TB) equals 1,000 gigabytes (GB), we can convert 8,200 GB to terabytes by using the following formula:

$$\text{N}_\text{TB} = \frac{\text{N}_\text{GB}}{1{,}000}$$

$$\text{N}_\text{TB} = \frac{8{,}200}{1{,}000} = \boxed{8.2 \text{ TB}}$$

So, the 8,200 gigabytes project, when expressed in decimal units, is equivalent to 8.2 TB.

Alternatively, you can use our calculator by entering 8,200 into the GB box, and you instantly get the storage value in terabytes, in this case, 8.2 TB.

Option 2: Using binary (IEC) prefixes

Since 1 tebibyte (TiB) equals 1,024 gibibytes (GiB), we can convert 8,200 gibibytes to tebibytes by using the following formula:

$$\text{N}_\text{TiB} = \frac{\text{N}_\text{GiB}}{1{,}024}$$

$$\text{N}_\text{TiB} = \frac{8{,}200}{1{,}024} ≈ \boxed{8.01 \text{ TiB}}$$

So, the 8,200 gibibytes project, when expressed in binary units, is equivalent to 8.01 TiB.

Alternatively, you can use our calculator by choosing GiB and entering 8,200 into the From box, choose TiB from the To unit box, and you instantly get the storage value in tebibytes, in this case, 8.0078125 TiB.

GB to TB conversion table

The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting data storage capacity from gigabytes (GB) to terabytes (TB). It covers a range from 0.1 GB to 1,000 GB, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.

Decimal (SI) prefixes

Binary (IEC) prefixes

FAQs

You now know how to convert data storage capacity from gigabytes (GB) to terabytes (TB). 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.