In this article, we’ll show you how to convert data transfer rates from kilobits per second (Kbps) to kilobytes per second (KB/s). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Kbps and KB/s
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions and differences between Kbps 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 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 0.125 KB/s (1,000 ÷ 8,000).
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 = 1,000 B/s1 KB/s = 1,000 B/s × 8 = 8,000 bps1 KB/s= 8,000 bps ÷ 1,000 bps = 8 Kbps
Kbps 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 data transfer rate (R) from Kbps to KB/s: R(KB/s) = R(Kbps) × 0.125
Or remember the Kbps-to-KBps conversion factor: 1 Kbps = 0.125 KB/s
Examples
Now, let's take a look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from kilobits to kilobytes per second (Kbps to KB/s).
Convert 386 Kbps to KB/s
Write down 386 Kbps and multiply it by the Kbps-to-KBps conversion factor: 0.125 to get the rate value R in KB/s:
So, 386 kilobits per second is equal to 48.25 kilobytes per second.
Alternatively, you can use our calculator by entering 386 into the Kbps box, and you instantly get the rate in KBps or KB/s, in this case, 48.25 KBps.
Kbps to KB/s conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting data rates from kilobits per second (Kbps) to kilobytes per second (KB/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 | Kilobytes per second |
|---|---|
| 0.1 Kbps | 0.0125 KB/s |
| 0.5 Kbps | 0.0625 KB/s |
| 1 Kbps | 0.125 KB/s |
| 2 Kbps | 0.25 KB/s |
| 4 Kbps | 0.5 KB/s |
| 5 Kbps | 0.625 KB/s |
| 10 Kbps | 1.25 KB/s |
| 20 Kbps | 2.5 KB/s |
| 30 Kbps | 3.75 KB/s |
| 40 Kbps | 5 KB/s |
| 50 Kbps | 6.25 KB/s |
| 60 Kbps | 7.5 KB/s |
| 70 Kbps | 8.75 KB/s |
| 80 Kbps | 10 KB/s |
| 90 Kbps | 11.25 KB/s |
| 100 Kbps | 12.5 KB/s |
| 200 Kbps | 25 KB/s |
| 500 Kbps | 62.5 KB/s |
| 800 Kbps | 100 KB/s |
| 1000 Kbps | 125 KB/s |
FAQs
Is 1 Kbps or 1 KB/s faster?
A kilobyte per second (KB/s) is eight 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 KB/s = 8 Kbps = 8 × 103 bps = 8,000 bps1 Kbps = 1,000 ÷ 8,000 = 0.125 KB/s
How to convert from Kbps to KB/s?
To convert a data transfer rate from kilobits per second (Kbps) to kilobytes per second (KB/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-KBpsconversion factor:0.125. - 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 = 1,024 B/s × 8 bits/s = 8,192 bps
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 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 = 1,024 B/s × 8 bits/s = 8,192 bps
You now know how to convert data transfer rate from kilobits per second (Kbps) 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.
