In this article, we’ll show you how to convert data transfer rates from kilobits per second (Kbps) to gigabytes per second (GB/s). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Kbps and GB/s
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions and differences between Kbps 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 colloquial.
What is Kilobits per second (Kbps)?
A kilobit per second (Kbps) is a unit of measurement for data transfer rates used when streaming or transferring data over the internet or network via a slow connection such as 2G mobile network, dial-up, or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL).
It is part of the International System of Units (SI)[1] and uses decimal multiples of bits (103). It has symbols or abbreviations such as Kbps, Kb/s, Kbit/s, or Kilobit/s.
One kilobit per second equals one thousand bits per second or 1,000 bps or 0.000000125 GB/s (1,000 ÷ 8,000,000,000).
What is Gigabytes per second (GB/s)?
A Gigabyte per second (GB/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 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).
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 = 1,000,000,000 B/s1 GB/s = 8 Gbps = 8 × 1,000,000,000 = 8,000,000,000 bps1 GB/s= 8,000,000,000 bps ÷ 1,000 bps = 8,000,000 Kbps
Please refer to the FAQs section to find out when 1 GB/s = 8 × 220 = 8,388,608 Kbps.
Kbps 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.
Multiplication formula for converting data transfer rate (R) from Kbps to GB/s: R(GB/s) = R(Kbps) × 0.000000125
Or remember the Kbps-to-GBps conversion factor: 1 Kbps = 0.000000125 GB/s or 1.25 × 10-7 or 1/8 × 10-6.
Examples
Now, let's take a look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from kilobits to gigabytes per second (Kbps to GB/s).
Convert 2,000 Kbps to GB/s
Write down 2,000 Kbps and multiply it by the Kbps-to-GBps conversion factor: 0.000000125 or 1/8 × 10-6 to get the rate value R in GB/s:
So, 2,000 kilobits per second is equal to 0.00025 gigabytes per second.
Alternatively, you can use our calculator by entering 2,000 into the Kbps box, and you instantly get the rate in GBps or GB/s, in this case, 0.00025 GBps.
Kbps to GB/s conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting data rates from kilobits per second (Kbps) to gigabytes per second (GB/s). It covers a range from 0.1 Kbps to 1,000 Kbps, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Kilobits per second | Gigabytes per second |
|---|---|
| 0.1 Kbps | 0.0000000125 GB/s |
| 0.5 Kbps | 0.0000000625 GB/s |
| 1 Kbps | 0.000000125 GB/s |
| 2 Kbps | 0.00000025 GB/s |
| 4 Kbps | 0.0000005 GB/s |
| 5 Kbps | 0.000000625 GB/s |
| 10 Kbps | 0.00000125 GB/s |
| 20 Kbps | 0.0000025 GB/s |
| 30 Kbps | 0.00000375 GB/s |
| 40 Kbps | 0.000005 GB/s |
| 50 Kbps | 0.00000625 GB/s |
| 60 Kbps | 0.0000075 GB/s |
| 70 Kbps | 0.00000875 GB/s |
| 80 Kbps | 0.00001 GB/s |
| 90 Kbps | 0.00001125 GB/s |
| 100 Kbps | 0.0000125 GB/s |
| 200 Kbps | 0.000025 GB/s |
| 500 Kbps | 0.0000625 GB/s |
| 800 Kbps | 0.0001 GB/s |
| 1000 Kbps | 0.000125 GB/s |
FAQs
Is 1 Kbps or 1 GB/s faster?
A gigabyte per second (GB/s) is eight million times faster than a kilobit per second (Kbps). A bit per second (bps) is the smallest unit for measuring data transfer rates. Here are the relationships between the units.
1 Kbps = 1 × 103 bps = 1,000 bps1 GB/s = 8 Gbps = 8,000,000 Kbps1 GB/s = 8,000,000 × 103 bps = 8,000,000,000 bps1 Kbps = 1,000 ÷ 8,000,000,000 = 0.000000125 GB/s
How to convert from Kbps to GB/s?
To convert a data transfer rate from kilobits per second (Kbps) to gigabytes per second (GB/s), follow the simple steps below:
- Write down the rate value in
kilobits per second (Kbps). - Multiply it by the value of a
Kbps-to-GBpsconversion factor:0.000000125. - 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 = 210 Megabytes/s = 1,024 MB/s1 GB/s = 220 Kilobytes/s = 1,048,576 KB/s1 GB/s = 1,048,576 KB/s × 8 bits/s = 8,388,608 Kbps
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 = 210 Mebibytes/s = 1,024 MiB/s1 GiB/s = 220 Kilibytes/s = 1,048,576 KiB/s1 GiB/s = 1,048,576 KiB/s × 8 bits/s = 8,388,608 Kbps
You now know how to convert data transfer rate from kilobits per second (Kbps) 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.
